Course Fee Adjustments

Energy Safety Canada is adjusting its course registration fees for select 2025 courses. Read more.

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Seismic Blaster Safety Training

Workers who are engaged in seismic shot-hole drilling and blasting activities will learn the principles of seismic exploration and the safety practices behind blasting activities.

This course has been developed in conjunction with the Canadian Association of Geophysical Contractors (CAGC) and Western Canadian government representatives to provide a minimum industry training standard for blasting in seismic exploration.

The Alberta Government has issued Energy Safety Canada an authorization letter to provide industry with this training,

Upon Completion

Upon successful completion of this course and Interprovincial examination with a minimum of 80%, Energy Safety Canada issues an Interprovincial Seismic Blaster permit, valid throughout the Yukon, Northwest Territories, Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia.

Topics Covered

  • Principles of seismic exploration
  • Seismic explosives and accessories
  • Storage and transportation
  • Safe work practices
  • Government regulations

Prerequisites

  • Registrants must be at least 18-years-old
  • You must present government issued photo identification (i.e., driver’s license, passport, etc.) and Explosive Regulatory Division approval letter (or equivalent) at the start of the course.
  • Minimum of six months hands-on experience as a blaster’s assistant in the past 36 months immediately preceding the course date
  • Able to communicate effectively in English, both orally and in writing
  • Completed the Seismic Blaster Safety Training application form and possess current Standard First Aid certification or equivalent.
  • This course may be taken for general informational purposes. In this case, there are no prerequisites and no written examination, and only an Energy Safety Canada Record of Attendance will be issued.

Notes

  • Students must be on time and present for all course content instruction. Students who miss any course content cannot be certified and registration fees will not be reimbursed, as per the Cancellation Policy
  • Course duration may continue beyond 4:30 pm
  • As per provincial regulations exams are conducted in English only with no provision to use translation.

Application Process

  • Complete the Seismic Blaster Safety Training application form
  • Applications must be received for approval by Energy Safety Canada at least two working days prior to the course date
  • To obtain a Saskatchewan seismic exploration permit; Saskatchewan Ministry of Energy and Resources no longer requires proof of a blaster's permit when a company is applying.  It will be the employer's responsibility to ensure that their employees meet the necessary requirements for their job function. For more information on how to obtain a Saskatchewan permit, please visit their website.
  • As per Manitoba Regulations, a person must hold a Manitoba issued Seismic Blaster Certificate in order to blast in Manitoba. Therefore, the Interprovincial Seismic Blaster Permit would be accepted as proof of training for the transfer application Individuals should fill out the free transfer application, accompanied by the interprovincial permit, a current passport quality photo and a provincial criminal record check.