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 – 2026 Call for Nominations

Excellence in Belonging in the Marine Industry Award

The Excellence in Belonging in the Marine Industry Award recognizes individuals or organizations that demonstrate outstanding leadership in advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging within Canada’s marine engineering sector.

As the industry experiences significant demographic shifts, this award celebrates those who are building stronger, more inclusive workplaces — where all voices are valued and diversity is actively leveraged through initiatives such as awareness workshops, leadership development, and inclusive policies.

Nominees may include individuals or companies that have shown measurable progress in creating a culture of belonging, supporting underrepresented groups, and enhancing professional development opportunities across the sector.

Award recipients are recognized at the Mari-Tech Conference, receive a $500 charitable contribution to a cause of their choice, and are featured through CIMarE and Mari-Tech’s online and media platforms.

For details on nomination criteria and deadlines, please contact admin@cimare.ca.

Honorary Life Membership

The Honorary Life Membership Award recognizes members of the Canadian Institute of Marine Engineering who have consistently gone above and beyond in supporting and promoting the Institute.

Members may be nominated for this distinction by submitting a letter to the National Council outlining the nominee’s name, branch affiliation, and the reasons they merit consideration.

This award is one of the highest honours the Institute can bestow, celebrating exceptional commitment and long-standing service to the marine engineering profession and our community.

The following individuals have been recognized as Honorary Lifetime Members in acknowledgement of their outstanding commitment to advancing marine engineering, supporting the Institute’s mission, and strengthening the maritime community in Canada and internationally.

First Name Last Name Year Awarded First Name Last Name Year Awarded First Name Last Name Year Awarded
Reynolds Beldan Gernot Seebacher D.W. Wilson 2014
Kavas Dadachanji D. Gordon Champion 2013 Robert J. Rutherford 2017
H.R.C. Doherty Alan Dawson 2013 Bert Blattmann 2018
Gus Edlund T.R. Forsyth 2013 Micheal Weaver 2022
Brenda James-Spence J. Gamble 2013 Philip Dauphinee 2022
Brian Keefe David F. MacDonald 2013 Bernd Graffunder 2023
John Moriarty Gerry Lanigan 2013 Angus Kennedy 2025
Len Perrigo David W. Simpson 2013 Donald Levy 2025
John R. Pirquet John H. Moyes 2014 Sandra Attersley 2026
Keith Rusby Jeffrey L. Smith 2014 Bud Streeter 2026

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.

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