Coming Events and Recent News
Expert Witnesses: The Superheroes of Witnesses
CIMarE ATLANTIC BRANCH INVITES YOU TO JOIN THEM FOR AN INFORMATIVE WEBINAR
DATE: Thursday, May 11th, 2023
TIME: 12:00 Atlantic (8:00 Pacific, 11:00 Eastern, 12:30 NFLD)
Location: Brightwood Golf and Country Club, https://www.brightwoodgolf.ca/
(In person) and GoTo Meeting Video Link through CIMarE.
Timing: 1215-1315 (Please arrive at 1200 as presenter will start at 1215)
Note: Clubhouse lunch will be available for purchase and delivered at 1315 once speaker finishes presenting and questions!!
Expert Witnesses: The Superheroes of Witnesses
Summary:
Norm Letalik presents a survey of the special role that experts play in the litigation process including assessing matters to determine fault, recording evidence, interviewing witnesses, preparing reports and testifying in courts or at arbitrations or assisting in finding solutions at mediations.
Abstract:
The special powers given to expert witness come with additional responsibilities to the court to provide objective expert opinion and to interpret facts and educate the court so that the evidence can be better understood by the trier of fact. Unlike ordinary witnesses, expert witnesses may testify on evidence that would otherwise be excluded as hearsay evidence. We will review what characteristics courts expect experts to possess and how experts need to communicate with lawyers retaining them. Experts need to comport themselves as being independent so that their message will be heard and adopted by the courts.
Speaker:
Norm Letalik , M.A LL.B LL.M
Norm Letalik, has been called to the Bar in Ontario since 1989 and to the Rolls as a Solicitor in England and Wales since 1998. He practiced as a litigator in BLG’s Toronto office for 28 years handling all matter of marine, aviation and product liability claims. Following his retirement from private practice he was General Counsel for Volkswagen Group Canada and now resides in Halifax and is Counsel to Metcalf and Company. Prior to practicing law, Norm was a law professor at Dalhousie Law School and a Research Associate and Assistant Director of the Dalhousie Ocean Studies Program
Green house Gas (GHG) Emissions for Domestic Fleet
CIMarE ST LAWRENCE BRANCH INVITES YOU TO JOIN THEM FOR AN INFORMATIVE WEBINAR
DATE: Tuesday, June 13th, 2023
TIME: 12:00 Eastern (9:00 Pacific, 13:00 Atlantic, 13:30 NFLD)
Green House Gas (GHG) Emissions for Domestic Fleet – Transport Canada
Abstract:
This presentation will cover the Transport Canada’s plan to greenhouse gas (GHG) targets for the domestic fleet. Special attention will be brought to the previous two reports from ABS, the next steps and the working groups with industry in order to develop a domestic reference line for GHG targets.
Furthermore, how the various fuels affect the Carbon Indicator Index (CII) towards the zero-emission goal for 2050 will also be covered.
Speaker:
Suzie Fortin , Transport Canada Marine Safety & Security
Director, Environmental Programs and Protection Standards
Suzie Fortin holds a degree in metallurgical engineering and a MBA in business management.
She joined the Naval Reserve in 1998 and the Public Service in 2007. Suzie managed various ships and submarines refits for the Canadian Navy from 2007 until 2014. She joined Transport Canada as a Senior Marine Safety Inspector in 2014 and managed the Audits of Classification societies until she left for the Canadian Coast Guard to manage the delegation of their 140 ships into the mandatory Delegation Statutory Inspection Program (DSIP). She became the Manager of the Mechanical Engineering section and a few years later replaced the Deputy Director of Marine Engineering with the Canadian Coast Guard.
In November 2022, Suzie came back to Transport Canada and took over the newly created section of Environmental Programs and Protection Standards. She manages sections responsible for Prevention of Marine Pollution, Air Pollution and Emergency Responses Organizations (MARPOL Annex I to VI) and many international engagement with the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
In Memory of Vice Admiral (ret’d) Peter Cairns, CMM, CD
Vice Admiral (ret’d) Peter Cairns, CMM, CD, passed away peacefully in Hospital in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada on Saturday, February 18th, 2023.
Peter’s distinguished naval career began in 1956, included many seagoing appointments, command of ships, submarines and squadrons, and culminated in his appointment as the 24th Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy. Following his retirement, Peter was a driving force behind the establishment and operations of the Shipbuilding Association of Canada.
Link to Obituary: https://ottawacitizen.remembering.ca/obituary/peter-cairns-1087196059
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.
Historical Events

Technical Webinar: A Case for A BC Historical Vessel Registration Program
C.I.MAR.E. VANCOUVER ISLAND BRANCH INVITES YOU TO JOIN THEM FOR AN INFORMATIVE WEBINAR
DATE: Wednesday, October 20th, 2021
TIME: 19:00 Pacific (22:00 Eastern; 23:00 Atlantic, 23:30 NFLD)
A Case for A BC Historical Vessel Registration Program
Abstract:
We are honored to have Robert G. Allan, P.Eng, FRINA, FSNAME give us a presentation on the Case for A BC Historical Vessel Registration Program.
Robert Allan has been working in the BC marine industry for decades, and recognizes the need for a program which can support the history of the industry on Canada’s West Coast.
That history has produced a number of classic types of West Coast vessels which evolved to cope with the challenges of our coastline, weather, and industry.
There are few remaining examples of some of these types of vessels. Tangible action to protect and preserve them is needed.
Find out how and why at the meeting.
Log into the Members Only Section to access the GoTo Meeting Link or email Bill Wallace at eastwindmarine@gmail.com
Technical Presentation: Coping with CoP26: Climate change and the global shipping industry in 2021
C.I.MAR.E. ATLATNIC BRANCH INVITES YOU TO JOIN THEM FOR AN INFORMATIVE WEBINAR
DATE: THURSDAY, October 14th, 2021
TIME: 12:15 Atlantic (8:15 Pacific, 11:15 Eastern, 12:45 NFLD)
Coping with CoP26: Climate change and the global shipping industry in 2021
Summary:
Jeffrey Smith presents a survey of climate change developments in the global and Canadian shipping industries, in the context of the UNFCCC Conference of the Parties next month.
Abstract:
The need to reckon with and reduce greenhouse gas emissions has been apparent to the shipping industry for almost 30 years, even as the overall size of the global trade fleet has steadily increased. The presentation first addresses the nature and trend in emissions. The successes of air pollution control of nitrogen and sulphur compounds are recalled. The treaty arrangements created by states in the International Maritime Organization are considered. Current regulatory measures and the notable commitment of IMO states in 2018 to extensive reductions are explored. The presentation concludes with an evaluation of requirements to come after CoP 26 and the trend of individual states to move to economic and direct regulation of emissions.
Speaker:
Dr. Jeffrey Smith,
Dr. Jeffrey Smith, FCIMarE, is a member of the Atlantic Branch of the Institute. A former RCN chief engineer, he researches climate change in the shipping industry including the development of economic and regulatory measures to address greenhouse gas emissions. Jeffrey advises governments and classification societies in matters as diverse as environmental protection in the Arctic, shipbuilding programs,
Technical Presentation: Improving ship efficiency through Becker Marine Systems Rudders and Mewis Duct
C.I.MAR.E. ST. LAWRENCE BRANCH INVITES YOU TO JOIN THEM FOR AN INFORMATIVE WEBINAR
DATE: TUESDAY, October 12th, 2021
TIME: 12:00 Eastern (8:00 Pacific, 13:00 Atlantic, 13:30 NFLD)
Wartsila EEXI Engine Power Limitation Energy Efficiency Technology
Abstract:
Founded in 1946 by Willi Becker, Becker Marine Systems (BMS) has become the market leader for high- efficiency maneuvering systems and energy-saving devices for all types of vessels.
With the current introduction of the EEXI and CII in context, an overview of the Becker Marine Systems (BMS) relevant product portfolio is given.
Firstly, a brief insight into rudder theory and a comparison of different rudder types (in terms of efficiency vs. maneuverability) will be given, with a focus on twisted rudders with bulb.
Secondly, the energy-saving device Becker Mewis Duct® and its natural development, the Becker Mewis Duct® Twisted (formerly known as Becker Twisted Fin®), will be presented. With its flexible design approach, the Mewis Duct family works by creating a thrust, reducing the vessel drag by minimizing separation, and improving the propeller efficiency by introducing a pre-swirl. These effects combine to produce effective power reductions for all types of vessels.
With today’s emphasis on efficient performance, optimization of both rudders and ESDs rely heavily on the use of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) techniques. Use of CFD is now core to the design and development of BMS products, and some examples that illustrate how it is used for rudder and ESD optimization will be given.
Speaker:
Lars Koehler, Sales Manager
+49 40 24199-1321 / lko@becker-marine-systems.com
Lars has been with Becker Marine Systems Sales team for 2 years. He is responsible for Sales of Becker Marine Systems in various areas in Europe and Americas. Previously, he held various positions in Sales and Service in the maritime industry.
Lars is a former Navy Officer with a university degree in Industrial Engineering as well as an MBA in International Management.
Steve Leonard, Head – Research & Development (ibmv)
+49 381 36445311 / sle@ibmv.de
Steve has been leading the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) effort at the Becker Marine Systems subsidiary ibmv for 16 years. During this period, he has gained extensive experience in all aspects of marine hydrodynamics, with particular emphasis on rudder, propeller and ESD design, development and optimization as well as model testing. Prior to working within the BMS group, he spent 7 years as part of the Schilling high-lift rudders team at Hamworthy Engineering, and was for many years working in the naval architecture department at the VSEL shipyard.
Steve graduated from University College London in 1990 with a degree in Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering, is a member of the Royal Institution of Naval Architects.

Vancouver Island Branch Meeting – In Person Harbour Road Yard Tour
Thursday, 16 September is our first in-person meeting in close to two years, and it will be a good one!
Point Hope Maritime is courteously hosting VI branch’s September meeting with a tour of their Harbour Road Yard in the upper harbor.
We’ll assemble inside the gate nearest the Johnson St. Bridge (Old Blue….) for an 1830 tour start.
Parking will be inside the yard gate to the right, one of us will be there to guide you.
IMPORTANT!!
Cyclists coming off the bridge ramp at the head of the yard’s driveway can be a real hazard! They are coasting, fast, and often don’t realize that cars are transiting their bike lanes. Be very alert and cautious as you make the turn into the yard.
AND A REMINDER; Dress for the weather. We’ll be walking outside. Gloves may be useful, sturdy walking shoes are suggested (no open toes or heels!). Bring a mask so that if we go inside we can be compliant with health directives.
For those of you not familiar with the yard, it is a full-service yard, with a full machine shop, assembly hall, welding shop, electrical shop, and a sophisticated painting prep and application crew. Vessels are hauled on a 1200 ton marine railway to a turntable, then the vessels are shunted onto spur tracks where the work is done. They have a fully compliant waste water treatment system, and use advanced hoarding and noise abatement systems to minimize their impact on nearby neighbourhoods.
Sam Johnson, the Production Technical Manager, will guide the tour. He will also describe some of their future plans —it’s quite a vision.
We may be able to get aboard a vessel(s) on the hard, depending on what vessels are hauled that evening.
HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!
1830 SHARP ON THURSDAY 16 SEPTEMBER
Bill Wallace, VI Branch Comms, for the Executive Committee
Webinar On the Radar: Digitalisation in Subsea Operations & Marine Assets.
The National Council extends an invitation from the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology webinar On the Radar: Digitalisation in Subsea Operations & Marine Assets.
As we continue to change, we will through our Web Site encourage participation in the marine community.
Register for a free online panel event, IMarEST On the Radar: Digitalisation in Subsea Operations & Marine Assets.
Taking place on Wednesday 23 June, our specialist panellists will discuss the use of digital twins in the imminent transition from fossil fuel to renewable energy. Looking at the digitalisation of marine and subsea assets, experts will also examine the transfer of skills that will be required for this transition to take place, taking knowledge from the oil and gas sector into the green energy space.
The event will be available for registrants to watch on-demand if unable to watch live.
You can find out more about our panellists, and register for free here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/imarest-on-the-radar-digitalisation-in-subsea-operations-marine-assets-tickets-153598734951
Technical Presentation: Wind Propulsion
C.I.MAR.E. ST LAWRENCE BRANCH INVITES YOU TO JOIN THEM FOR AN INFORMATIVE WEBINAR
DATE: TUESDAY, JUNE 8th, 2021
TIME: 12:00 Eastern (9:00 Pacific, 13:00 Atlantic, 13:30 NFLD)
WIND PROPULSION WITH GAVIN ALLWRIGHT and KONSTANTINOS M FAKIOLAS:
Abstract:
Overview of wind propulsion developments in the market and the potential for wind propulsion systems to help decarbonise commercial shipping. An introduction to the various technology systems and their attributes. Focusing on forecasts for development, recent installations and the pipeline for projects over the next 2-3 years. A discussion of the main drivers and barriers to the adoption and scaling of wind propulsion systems and wind assist ship propulsion (WASP). The following theme topics presented:
• The Wind potential in Oceans (5’)
• Available WASP technologies (5’)
• Principles of Thrust generation from WASP (10’)
• Ship Integration of Wind propulsion systems (10’)
• Regulatory developments (IMO, Class) (10’)
Speakers:
Gavin Allwright,
Secretary General, International Windship Association (IWSA)
Gavin Allwright is the Secretary General of the International Windship Association (IWSA). www.wind-ship.org Established in 2014, this not-for-profit has grown to 130+ members from across the shipping industry and is working to promote and facilitate the uptake of wind
propulsion solutions in commercial shipping. Alongside his work as association secretary, he also leads the policy work stream, requiring regular attendance at IMO, EU and national government level meetings and sits on the stakeholders advisory committee for the MTCC network at the International Maritime Organisation (IMO). www.decadeofwindpropulsion.org
Gavin is also a non-executive board member for the World Wind Energy Association (WWEA), a work package leader on the EU Interreg Wind Assist Ship Propulsion (WASP) and advisor on various shipping decarbonisation projects. He is a regular guest lecturer at the UN World Maritime University (WMU) and holds a Masters degree in Sustainable Development, specialising in small scale sustainable shipping and logistics in developing countries and was an expert reviewer for the IPCC special report on 1.5C climate change.
Konstantinos M. Fakiolas,
Naval Architect & Marine Engineer
Konstantinos is a Naval Architect & Marine Engineer, graduate from the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA), with Master Thesis on Ship Hydrodynamics (CFD Analysis), and further post-graduate studies in Marine Technology and Ocean Science with focused specialization in energy efficiency of ships.
Involved in the Shipping Industry since the year 1998, working as a Surveyor on behalf of Flag Administrations, Naval Architect-Designer for Passenger/Ferry/Mega Yacht Ships, New buildings and Retrofit Supervisor and engineering Project Manager for RoRo-passenger and wet/dry/gas commercial cargo ships, working in Asia closely with Shipyards for custom designed energy efficient cargo ships and ship conversions for energy efficiency.
Since 2014 studying Wind propulsion technologies on ships, developing reference projects and participating in research projects such as WiSP JIP, being a member of the International Wind Ship Association. He is the Author of the 1st Industry Book about Wind propulsion for commercial ships, the ‘Wind
Propulsion Principles’.