Awards – CIMarE

The CIMarE presents several awards, spread across a broad spectrum of the marine engineering community.

The CIMarE Medal of Excellence

The Canadian Institute of Marine Engineering’s Medal of Excellence recognizes an individual’s outstanding contribution to marine engineering in Canada, including technical innovation, sea-going service, substantial leadership in the industry or the teaching of marine engineering. The Medal is the hallmark of achievement in Canada’s marine engineering profession.

Award of the Medal will be made annually to a Member of the Canadian Institute of Marine Engineering by the National Council on the basis of nominations from Institute members and others in Canada’s marine engineering sector. Written nominations will be kept confidential and the Council will not disclose its inquiries or deliberations into making the award. The Medal of Excellence will ordinarily be presented at the annual Mari-Tech conference and exhibition.

The award of the Medal of Excellence is restricted to members of the Institute. A Member who may have made a meritorious, substantial and lasting contribution to marine engineering in Canada, through the operation of vessels at sea, the management and work of marine transportation enterprises and shipyards, the design of vessels, the promotion of safety of life at sea, government regulation, or the pursuit of excellence in the marine engineering field are eligible for the award.

Please note that serving members of National Council or any Branch Executive are not eligible. There is no bar to nominating previous winners or nominees.

To download the PDF – CIMarE – Medal of Excellence – 2025 Call for Nominations

The CIMarE Medal of Excellence – 2025 Awarded to Pierre Louis-Philippe Boisclair

Pierre Louis-Philippe Boisclair is a highly accomplished leader in the marine industry, with over five decades of experience in ship repair, marine propulsion systems, and project management. His career has significantly influenced the maritime landscape in Canada and abroad.

Since 2009, Pierre has served as President of M.I.E. Solutions & Equipments Inc., where he represents Thrustmaster Marine Propulsion Systems in Canada. He supports shipyards and vessel owners in navigating International Maritime Organization (IMO) requirements for signage, fire plans, and escape routes.

Previously, Pierre was President of LJL Pier/Navamar Ship Repairs in Montreal (1999–2016), where he oversaw operations and led major technical projects. He played a key role in the sale and installation of Thrustmaster systems, ensuring strong after-service support and high client satisfaction.

Before that, he led Montreal Tankers Repairs (1975–1999), managing engineering operations and driving research and development to stay ahead of industry trends. His connection with Thrustmaster began during this time, as their Canadian representative, further solidifying his expertise in marine propulsion.

Pierre also served as a technical and bidding advisor for Asia Star Shipyard in Vietnam (1994–1999), managing international contracts and establishing agent networks across Asia and Europe. His ability to work across cultures has helped him forge lasting global business relationships.

Additionally, from 1996 to 2000, he contributed to the industry through Metal M7, where he introduced metallization solutions for marine applications, demonstrating his ongoing commitment to innovation.

Pierre holds a strong educational foundation in engineering and management, supplemented by training at Thrustmaster in Texas and additional courses in marketing, international relations, and leadership.

An active member of the Canadian Institute of Marine Engineering (CIMarE) since 1975, Pierre has held roles including Branch Chairman (2000–2004, 2013–2017) and National Treasurer (2004–2006). He was instrumental in organizing MariTech 2010 and in establishing the first agreement with the Institute of Rimouski.

Pierre has led teams, managed international projects, and conducted training sessions at home and abroad. His insight and dedication to mentorship have made him a respected figure in marine engineering.

Pierre’s enduring contributions and leadership make him a most deserving recipient of the 2024 Medal of Excellence.

The Canadian Institute of Marine Engineering’s Medal of Excellence is awarded in recognition of an individual’s outstanding contribution to the field of marine engineering in Canada. This prestigious honour acknowledges excellence in areas such as technical innovation, distinguished sea-going service, exemplary leadership within the industry, or significant contributions to the teaching and advancement of marine engineering.

This year, Pierre joins this distinguished group of honourees—an elite circle of marine professionals who have demonstrated exceptional dedication and impact in their field

Fellows of the Institute

The designation Fellow of the Institute will recognize those who have made a significant contribution to CIMarE as well as to the Canadian marine industry. For members to qualify as a Fellow they must:

Have been a member of CIMarE for 10 consecutive years
Have served as a member of a branch executive or national committee for 3 years
Have or hold one of the following:

– a Transport Canada issued Certificate of Competency as a First Class Marine Engineer or as a Second Class Marine Engineer

– a Royal Canadian Navy Engineering MARE Marine Systems officer Head of Department Qualification, or the equivalent as determined by the Council

– a Royal Canadian Navy Certificate 4 or Certificate 3 for Marine Engineering Technicians

You can nominate yourself and you can propose others. Once approved by both your Branch and National Council, a Fellow will receive a Certificate and the right to include the designation FCIMarE following their names on business stationary and correspondence. As well, their names will be published on the website and in the Marine Engineering Digest from time to time.

An application form is available here.

Note: A Fellow will be required to pay annual dues.

Previous Medal of Excellence Recipients:

2025 – Pierre Louis-Philippe Boisclair
2024 – John Attersley
2023 – Dr. Jeffery Smith
2020 – Ray Morrissey
2019 – Darryl J. Hansen
2018 – William B Jamer
2017 – Wendy Tadros
2016 – Ken Harford
2015 – Malcolm Barker
2014 – Thomas Ward
2013 – Bud Streeter

TM Pallas Award

The TM Pallas Award is given to graduates of the Canadian Forces Naval Engineering School in Halifax, Nova Scotia. The instructors nominate the students receiving the highest combined occupation level course average and certification board mark while qualifying for their Marine Engineering Certificate 4 and Certificate 3.

The graduates receive a certificate and an engraved plaque in recognition of their academic excellence.