These cadets receive a Bachelor of Technology (Nautical Science) that is granted in collaboration with Cape Breton University.
Established in 1965 as a residential college on the site of the former navy base HMCS Protector located at Point Edward along the western shore of Sydney Harbour, CCGC's first mandate was to train young men in 4-year diplomas of Marine Engineering or Marine Navigation for the Coast Guard's Officer Training Program.
In 1981, CCGC moved from its location on the former Point Edward naval base to an adjacent custom-built 120 acre (486,000 m²) campus in neighbouring Westmount.
The campus, designed by Nova Scotia Architect Keith L. Graham is located in a wooded area immediately south of Point Edward and adjacent to Petersfield Provincial Park.
Following training programs are offered:[1] Cadets are typically selected from Canadian high school graduates with a 70% average or higher including grade 12 physics, advanced math, and English (or French).