Coming Events and Recent News
In Memory of Alexander Barbour
Alex, 86, of Ottawa passed away peacefully in the wee hours of the morning Monday December 5, 2022 at home with his two lads on deck.Alex was born in Dundee, Scotland (the world’s greatest city) where he worked as a millwright and studied to become a marine engineer. He then served with Ben Line sailing the world for six years earning his Chief’s ticket. He emigrated to Canada with his English wife Rita and a “wee bairn”. Alex held a teaching position as Head of Marine Engineering at George Brown College before coming to Ottawa where he joined the department of Public Works as Chief Engineer, Marine and Industrial Conservation.
Alex’s life work was always about preservation and restoration of historic ships and machinery. It was a passion that took him from coast to coast in Canada, into the United States, to a rum distillery in Martinique and even to the Falkland Islands. He was happiest on site wearing a dirty set of overalls and a pair of work boots. His marine restoration projects included the stern wheelers S.S. Klondike, S.S. Moyie, and S.S. Tutshi. In Baddeck, N.S. his team replicated Alexander Graham Bell’s Hydrofoil HD 4. His salvage work included a 2000 Ton gold dredge (Dredge No.4) out of the permafrost in the Yukon and the preparatory work to move H.MC.S. Haida from Toronto to Hamilton. He worked with the original steam whistles from the RMS Titanic and designed the system for blowing replica whistles for the travelling TITANIC Exhibit. Closer to home he worked on restoration projects for the fences on Parliament Hill, the Mint and Rideau Hall and the preservation of the NCC’s Tin House. For a number of summers Alex could also be found at Mooney’s Bay in his white boiler suit with a big smile on his face stoking the fires of the Bytown Pumper.
Alex is survived by his loving wife Rita and their two sons Stuart and Andrew (Lauren). He supported his sons in all their endeavors. Whether it be building a dark room in the basement or building a magic apparatus, or driving them to countless hockey and soccer practices. He taught them the importance of hard work, problem solving skills, frugality and to always make time for a good laugh. He will be sadly missed by his three grandsons Isaac, Levi and Aaron, his workshop apprentice.
He was predeceased by his brother Bill (2021) (Wendy) (Carol d. 1991) and will be fondly remembered by niece Kim (Tom) and nephew Brad. He will be sadly missed in Sweden by his sister-in-law Pat (Lennart d. 2008); and his nephew Andrew and niece Catherine; and fondly remembered in England by niece Sally and partner Kerstin who have made many visits to Canada.
A special thanks to Kathleen Murphy, the engineer daughter he never had, who always had time and an ear for another “I’ll tell you a funny story” and “Just tell me old shipmates, I’m taking a trip, mates,
And I’ll see you someday, in Fiddlers’ Green” (John Connolly).
As per Alex’s wishes, his sons will spread his ashes on The Law in Dundee, Scotland.

Nautical 150- Marine Skills Competition and Career Fair
NSCC Nautical is proud host the annual Marine Skills Competition and Career Fair. This year marks the Nautical Institute’s 150 Anniversary and we plan to celebrate.
Save the Date: March 8-9, 2023
The event this year will include three components:
- Marine Skills Competition
- Nautical 150 Gala
- Career Fair
We will be reaching out to alumni, community and industry partners from throughout the Nautical Institute’s history to mark this special occasion.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Don’t miss your opportunity to be part of the Nautical Institute’s premier showcase. Join the crew as a competition sponsor. Click here to see the opportunities available!
In Memory of Derek Perkins, A.M.I. Mar. E.
Derek Perkins served in the merchant navy from the late 1940’s to the mid 1950’s for various UK shipping companies. Derek held a MOT First Class Marine Engineering certificate, Steam Ship and Motor Ship.

Canadian Coast Guard Welcomes 51 New Graduates Into Its Fleet
Released: June 4, 2022
Sydney, Nova Scotia – Since 1965, the Canadian Coast Guard College in Sydney, Nova Scotia, has been providing internationally recognized training to personnel of the Canadian Coast Guard.
Today, during its first in-person graduation ceremony since 2019, the College is bidding fair winds and following seas to 51 graduates from its Officer Training Program. These new Officers have completed the 45-month program, which is delivered in both official languages and offers a choice between Navigation and Marine Engineering streams.
These graduates have persevered through ongoing disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, and are now ready to serve Canadians by helping mariners in need, protecting marine ecosystems, and ensuring safe passage through Canada’s waterways.
In a year full of celebration for the Canadian Coast Guard’s 60th anniversary, the arrival of 51 new officers into our fleet is one more reason to celebrate. We extend sincere congratulations to all graduates, who will join their colleagues in making a positive impact in communities across Canada.
Quotes
“Today’s Coast Guard graduates are joining an esteemed organization that continues to serve Canadians with pride. You will serve an increasingly important role in protecting the environment and helping those in need. Congratulations on all that you have accomplished, and welcome to the Canadian Coast Guard. ”
– The Honourable Joyce Murray, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard
“The Canadian Coast Guard is proud to welcome these 51 new officers into our fleet. Having gone through the program at the Canadian Coast Guard College myself, I know how much hard work and perseverance each of you has put in. Congratulations and welcome aboard!”
– Mario Pelletier, Commissioner, Canadian Coast Guard
“On behalf of the entire College faculty, staff and administration, I would like to extend my sincere congratulations to all Graduates of the class of 2022. Your transformation from Officer Cadets to Officers over the last 45 months has been a pleasure to observe. I have the highest confidence that the future of the Canadian Coast Guard is in good hands for years to come. I know that you will serve your communities with integrity and make us all proud – well done!”
– Dena Richardson, Executive Director, Canadian Coast Guard College
Quick facts
- This year’s graduates will be posted to Canadian Coast Guard Regions across Canada:
- 15 graduates going to the Atlantic Region
- 18 graduates going to the Central Region
- 18 graduates going to the Western Region
- All Canadian Coast Guard College students receive free tuition, a training allowance, and free room and board.
- Graduates of the Officer Training Program receive a Bachelor of Technology (Nautical Sciences) Degree from Cape Breton University and a Diploma from the Canadian Coast Guard College. Navigation Officers receive a Transport Canada Watchkeeping Mate Certificate, and Marine Engineering Officers receive a Fourth Class Engineering Certificate from Transport Canada.
Associated links
Technical Presentation – Exploring the Big Blue with Remotely Operated Vehicles
C.I.MAR.E. VANCOUVER ISLAND BRANCH INVITES YOU TO JOIN THEM FOR AN INFORMATIVE WEBINAR
DATE: Thursday, June 16th, 2022
TIME: 19:00 Pacific (22:00 Eastern; 23:00 Atlantic, 23:30 NFLD)
Exploring the Big Blue with Remotely Operated Vehicles
Abstract:
The presenter, Lauren Hudson is an educator now working for Ocean Networks Canada (Canada’s premier oceanic data-gathering network off the coast of BC).
Her presentation will cover various aspects from a scientific and practical perspective. With her background in creating educational opportunities should make this evening’s presentation an interesting one.
Technical Presentation: Adapting to New Technology Insertion and Design Changes Through the Use of a Novel Design-Management Simulator
C.I.MAR.E. ATLATNIC BRANCH INVITES YOU TO JOIN THEM FOR AN INFORMATIVE WEBINAR
DATE: THURSDAY, April 21st, 2022
TIME: 12:15 Atlantic (8:15 Pacific, 11:15 Eastern, 12:45 NFLD)
Adapting to New Technology Insertion and Design Changes Through the Use of a Novel Design-Management Simulator
Abstract:
Many defence projects have incurred significant cost overruns and delays, with the causes attributed to program pressure, changing requirements, immature technology, under-estimation of risks, and the lack of organizational integration. Traditional practices and measures are unable to predict the impact of new technology and design changes. Moreover, there is not a practical approach or tool to help integrate multiple disciplines so as to better understand system and program complexity and the impact of changes. Understanding risks, potential changes and technologies through knowledge gain early in the design can help reduce costs and schedule delays. Furthermore, the use of set-based design and engineering principles can provide for a robust design that can better accommodate changes. Along with these principles, systems thinking, system dynamics, techno-socio-economic and cultural factors are considered in development of a novel design-management simulator. This simulator is presented through application of a case study on an advanced marine integrated power system. The simulator provides an integrated ‘big picture’ perspective not possible with the use of separate engineering and management models.
Speaker:
Ray Jonkers, PhD, PEng, PMP
During the past 17 years, Ray has held engineering positions in industry as a Program Performance Manager, Operations Manager, Transformation Manager, Central Engineering Manager and currently serves as a Consultant at Merlantec Management and Engineering Inc.
Prior to this, Ray completed 22 years with the Royal Canadian Navy as a Marine Systems Engineer, where he assumed management roles in maintenance, operations, project management, quality assurance, and test and trials.
Ray has a PhD in Systems Engineering, a Masters in Mechanical Engineering, and a MBA. Ray resides in Milford Station Nova Scotia with his wife, daughter, son and beloved Lab.
RSVP: dehughes09@gmail.com
Historical Events
Technical Presentation: The Use of Flexible Couplings
C.I.MAR.E. ST LAWRENCE BRANCH INVITES YOU TO JOIN THEM FOR AN INFORMATIVE WEBINAR
DATE: TUESDAY, MAY 11th, 2021
TIME: 12:00 Eastern (9:00 Pacific, 13:00 Atlantic, 13:30 NFLD)
THE USE OF FLEXIBLE COUPLINGS
Abstract: What you need to know about couplings
Although a relatively small part in a driveline, a flexible coupling is a very important part. So why do you need a coupling in your driveline, and why is it so important to make sure the correct model is selected.
We will take a general look at the selection process and what details you have understand to make sure your propulsion system works flawlessly.
Speaker:
eweenen@vulkanusa.comShort bio:
Started work at the Damen Shipyards head office as purchasing manager for all the Tugs and Workboats.Degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Rotterdam.
Between VULKAN and Damen spend some time at Exalto, a supply company for yacht builders.
In 2007, joined VULKAN sales in the Netherlands, working with many types of applications and customers, like the large dredgers at IHC, or complete drivelines for thruster applications at ZF.
Moved with the family to Florida in 2011 to work together with our outside sales force to develop and grow our marine and industrial business.
As son of a Captain, always said I wanted nothing to do with ships, but I guess there is no flying from fate 😊
Technical Presentation: OCEANOGRAPHIC BUOY MOORINGS
C.I.MAR.E. VANCOUVER ISLAND BRANCH INVITES YOU TO JOIN THEM FOR AN INFORMATIVE WEBINAR
DATE: THURSDAY, MARCH 18th, 2021
TIME: 19:00 Pacific (22:00 Eastern, 23:00 Atlantic, 23:30 NFLD)
OCEANOGRAPHIC BUOY MOORINGS
This coming Thursday, the 19th of March, Ryan Nicoll will give a presentation on how the mooring systems of deep-ocean oceanographic buoys are developed, along with a comparison of predicted vs. actual mooring loads. Oceanographic moorings are critical to our collective ability to measure and understand oceanographic processes. The moorings locate buoys in all water depths, and must survive the effects of wind, currents, and waves. Development and deployment of these buoys is critically dependent on their mooring systems.
The mooring systems, in turn, are site-specific to the buoys’ location, and the engineering behind the mooring systems are a specialty of DSA Ocean, which Ryan founded.
Technical Presentation – FUTURE TECHNOLOGY and PRESERVING LIFE at SEA
C.I.MAR.E. ATLANTIC BRANCH INVITES YOU TO JOIN THEM FOR AN INFORMATIVE WEBINAR
DATE: THURSDAY, MARCH 11th
TIME: 18:00 AST (17:00 EASTERN, 14:00 PACIFC, 18:30 NFLD)
FUTURE TECHNOLOGY and PRESERVING LIFE at SEA
A presentation by the Future Technology Panel of the International Maritime Rescue Federation
For thousands of years humankind has had a beneficial relationship with the world’s oceans, lakes, and rivers, for food, transport, and leisure. However, this relationship has not been without cost, the risk of injury and death has always been present, over 300,000 people drown annually.
For the past two centuries rescue organizations have responded to those in distress on the water. Over one hundred of these maritime rescue organizations from 54 countries worldwide are members of the International Maritime Rescue Federation (IMRF), an NGO at IMO. The IMRF facilitates the sharing of experience, expertise, and knowledge among its member organizations in order to save lives, and to protect rescue personnel worldwide.
The Future Technology Panel (FTP) of the IMRF is a group of member organizations which meet to share information and assist each other with the evaluation and implementation of new technologies. The projects cover many areas, large and small, such as the application of Remotely Piloted Air and Marine Systems, autonomous systems, electronic alerting and locating technologies, small craft navigation, crew safety and health.
This presentation outlines many of these technologies, the processes to identify and evaluate these technologies, the possible benefits, and pitfalls, the impact on the public safety, and the impact on the safety of rescue personnel. The FTP members evaluate technologies which have near term application, and those which look further into the future.
This presentation will be of interest to anyone who is concerned with Maritime Safety. Contributors: Search & Rescue Organizations & related firms in Australia, Canada, Germany, Ireland, Norway, South Africa, Sweden, & the United Kingdom.
Presenter
John W. Dalziel, M.Sc., P.Eng., IMRF Supporter.
Adjunct Professor, Industrial Engineering, Dalhousie University, Halifax.
John Dalziel is a naval architect involved in the marine industry for the past half century. In 1969 he sailed through the North West Passage on the Canadian icebreaker John A Macdonald, along with the American tanker Manhattan. He has worked with the Canadian Government and industry, primarily in ship construction & repair supervision and safety inspection. He has been involved with maritime rescue organizations for many years. As a university student in 1971 he worked for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution in Britain in their technical office.. For the five years he has been involved with the Future Technology Panel of the International Maritime Rescue Federation. He has spoken internationally on maritime safety and on the application of modern technologies to maritime rescue.
Technical Presentation by Western Canadian Marine Response Corporation – Mitigating Oil Spills
C.I.MAR.E. VANCOUVER ISLAND BRANCH INVITES YOU TO JOIN THEM FOR AN INFORMATIVE WEBINAR
DATE: THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18th
TIME: 19:00 PST (22:00 EASTERN, 23:00 ATLANTIC, 23:30 pm NFLD)
Oil Spills – Can They Be Mitigated on Canada’s West Coast
Technical Presentation by DOMINIS – Impact of Manufacturing Tolerances on Propeller Performance
C.I.MAR.E. ST. LAWRENCE BRANCH INVITES YOU TO JOIN THEM FOR AN INFORMATIVE WEBINAR
DATE: TUESDAY, March 9th
TIME: 12:00 pm EST (9:00 am PACIFIC, 1:00 pm ATLANTIC, 1:30 pm NFLD)
Impact of Manufacturing Tolerances on Propeller Performance
Background:
Anthropogenic underwater radiated noise is now being recognized as a worldwide problem. For ship speeds greater than about 15 knots, propeller cavitation is the predominant source of propeller-generated underwater noise and vibrations. Cavitation not only influences propeller-induced pressure fluctuations on ship hulls and increases noise levels in ships, but it also impacts the ocean environment with
underwater noise pollution. Many studies are investigating the effects of propeller design parameters on propeller performance and cavitation. However, there is a critical gap in understanding the impact of manufacturing tolerances on propeller cavitation and to some extent on propulsive performance. This project addresses that gap in knowledge. The primary tools in the investigation is Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) methods supported by model experiments to validate their results.
Project Overview:
The project compares “as-built” propeller blade sections with their ideal “asdesigned” counterpart to elucidate the effects of manufacturing defects on cavitation and propulsive performance. The study is investigating the effect of sharp-edged flat regions near the LE, which are within the tolerances of ISO 484 class S. The project work is organised in three investigations incorporating both CFD simulations and experimental support as follows:
- Investigation 1: 2D foil section investigation in rectilinear flow
- Investigation 2: 3D wing planform investigation in rectilinear flow
- Investigation 3: 3D full propeller (rotating)
Partners:
- Dominis Engineering: Project lead, managing experimental program manufacturing of models and reporting
- Memorial University (MUN): CFD modelling
- DRDC – Atlantic: CFD modelling
The presenter:
Bodo Gospodnetic, Owner of Dominis
Bodo Gospodnetic is a Professional Engineer and Technical Manager with a wide range of experiences in manufacturing and scientific applications. Mr. Gospodnetic is a graduate of Carleton University’s Electrical Engineering Program. In 1985 he founded Dominis Engineering Ltd. with his father, late Dr. Drasko Gospodnetic, Researcher Emeritus of NRC of Canada. Prior to Dominis Engineering he worked on computer applications in the fields of computer communications, radar modelling and image processing. At Dominis Engineering Ltd., Mr Gospodnetic has been involved in the development of new manufacturing processes and CAD/CAM applications for the machining and measurement of propellers and water jet impellers. In 2015, he initiated a research project to determine the impact of manufacturing tolerances on propulsive, cavitation and noise performance of propellers. This is a collaborative research project between Dominis Engineering, DRDC-Atlantic and Memorial University sponsored by Transport Canada Innovation Centre.
Technical Presentation by WÄRTSILÄ VOYAGE DIVISION – Automated Sailing and Docking Technology
C.I.MAR.E. ST. LAWRENCE BRANCH INVITES YOU TO JOIN THEM FOR AN INFORMATIVE WEBINAR
DATE: TUESDAY, February 9th
TIME: 12:00 pm EST (9:00 am PACIFIC, 1:00 pm ATLANTIC, 1:30 pm NFLD)
Automated Sailing and Docking Technology Today
Abstract:
Wärtsilä’s Voyage division installed its first commercial SmartMove Suite navigation system aboard the 42-year-old laker American Courage in March 2020. The self-discharging vessel is 630 feet (192 m) long and operates on Ohio’s winding Cuyahoga River. This waterway can be very congested, and Wärtsilä says that it is easily the most challenging route for any vessel using automated sailing and docking technology today.
“Advanced decision support systems, such as Wärtsilä’s SmartMove, bring value because they can automate the repetitive tasks, such as docking on repeated itineraries,” said Wärtsilä Voyage’s John J. Marshall. “This is not about going captain-free, rather, enhancing the capabilities of onboard crew as they traverse shuttle routes, congested or restricted areas.
The version of the system installed aboard American Courage uses the surrounding environment for vessel positioning, making it ship-based rather than on shore, according to Pierre Pelletreau of Rand-ASC Holdings, American Steamship’s parent company. It is designed to meet the firm’s requirement for a position margin of less than two meters.
The presenter:
John Marshall, Senior Business Development Manager,
Automation & Dynamic Positioning, Wärtsilä Voyage
John Marshall is a marine professional with over 20+ years’ experience in operations, logistics and construction in the marine and E&P industries. John held positions as Vice President and Officer of the Company for Canada’s oldest and largest marine transportation company. John joined Wärtsilä in 2016.