Coming Events and Recent News

Branch Meeting – Ottawa
Branch Meeting – Ottawa
March 2025
TITLE: FIRE SUPPRESSION ALTERNATIVES
DATE: WEDNESDAY, March 26, 2025
TIME: 18:30 TO 21:00 EST (09:00 PST, 13:00 AST 13:30 NDT)
VENUE: Rideau Canal Junior Ranks Mess – Beaver Room
Access to the Beaver Room can be done through the front door of the building, up a short flight of stairs, and straight through to the room. As usual parking is available and please park on the canal side of the parking lot. We will have the room from 18:30 to 21:00 hrs. and a cash bar will be provided.
As always, our SNAME colleagues are invited to attend this paper and by this email I am asking Glenn Walters to circulate this invite to the SNAME membership in Ottawa. Thank you, Glenn.
As mentioned in a previous email there will not be a Technical Paper presented in April, but we do plan to have and have the speakers arranged to provide us Technical Papers for both May and June. Further details regarding these papers will be provided as we get closer to their respective dates.
ABSTRACT
The topic for this evening’s presentation will be on Fire Suppression Alternatives.
This presentation will discuss fire suppression solutions for shipboard applications and their long-term supportability and lifecycle management. Bridging the gap between Halon 1301 (used by the Navy) and the Phase down of FM-200 (used by the Canadian Coast Guard), 3M phase out of PFAS production and potential concerns with replacement solutions. This will inform the listener of alternative solutions such as High and Low Pressure Water mist, Inert Gas suppression systems and other alternatives such as aerosols and foams. Our guest speakers will discuss potential options for retrofits and what to consider when making the decision to remove one type of system in support of another. The outcome is Paper is to provide the listener with some basic knowledge of the systems and what advantages and disadvantages there may be with each solution.
SPEAKER:
This presentation will be given by Mr. Ken Crooks and Mr. Allan MacDonald from D.R. Brenton Ltd., both of whom will be coming from Halifax to specifically present this paper.
Mr. Crooks has been employed with D.R Brenton Ltd since 2004. During this time Ken has received on the job and manufacturer training for the inspection, maintenance, service, installation, and commissioning of the following equipment: Special Hazard Fire Systems (Clean Agent & Inert Agent), Water-Mist (High and Low Pressure), and Fire Detection Systems. Ken is currently the Project Manager for D.R Brenton Ltd and oversees the design, supply and commissioning of all Fire Suppression and Fire Detection Systems.
Mr. MacDonald has been employed with D.R Brenton Ltd since 2017. During this time Allan has received on the job and manufacturer training for the inspection, maintenance, service, installation, and commissioning of the following equipment: Special Hazard Fire Systems (Clean Agent) and Water-Mist (High and Low Pressure). Allan currently assists in a Project Management role for D.R Brenton Ltd and creates the technical design data for all Fire Suppression and Fire Detection Systems.
In Memory of Raymond Morrissey
MORRISSEY, Raymond – It is with great sadness that the family of Raymond share the news of his passing. Ray died on December 25, 2023, at the age of 93 at Hospice Niagara.
Predeceased by his parents, Raymond and Eileen Marie (Young) Morrissey and his sisters, Theresa Gear and Eileen Morrissey. Lovingly remembered by his brothers, Daniel, William, Frank and Neil and his sisters, Rosann Mallon and Mary Webster. Ray is also remembered fondly by Ted England (brother-in-law) and Bonnie Easton (niece), as well as many relatives, friends and colleagues.
Raymond was a loving and devoted husband to Louise for 61 years. As a sailor he was away from home for long periods of time. The life of a sailor’s wife is a challenging one, but they both made the long-distance relationship work. There is some comfort in knowing that Ray and Lou will be together again in heaven.
Ray was involved in the Niagara Mariner’s Club, Cattlemen’s Association, Feeder Finance and the OFA.
Ray will likely be remembered most for his generosity, dedication, intellect and insatiable curiosity. He was a life-long learner and expert problem solver. If something needed fixing he would always figure out a way to fix it. As a sailor on the lake ships for over 70 years, he was best known in his capacity as chief engineer. His shipmates and friends tell many stories about Ray, affectionately referring to him only as “Chief”.

CIMARE Great Lakes Branch Annual General Meeting
CIMARE Great Lakes Branch AGM
MARK YOUR CALENDARS!!!!
Please see below/attached details for the AGM coming up on January 18th, 2024.
Date: Thursday January 18th, 2024
Time: Social hour (cash bar) at 18:00, Presentation at 19:00, Informal Buffet-type Dinner throughout the evening
Attire: Casual
Location: Loose Moose, 146 Front St W, Toronto (3 minute walk from the Royal York)
Tickets: $160.00 taxes included
Group Discounts:
5 tickets or more – $5 off per ticket ($155.00 each)
10 tickets or more – $10 off per ticket ($150.00 each)
20 tickets or more – $20 off per ticket ($140.00 each)
Technical Guest Keynote Speaker: Mr. Derek Davis, P. Eng
“Submarines and Canada: 110 Years and Counting”
Discussing Canada’s history with submarines, how we got where we are today, what submarines bring to the table from both a Naval and national perspective, and where Canada may go with submarines in the future.
Our keynote speaker has been graciously sponsored by Canal Marine & Industrial Inc.
We will also be acknowledging the deserving CIMARE award/grant recipients from Georgian College at this event!
For tickets and/or to RSVP, please contact Gerald Oskam gerald@amherstgroup.ca or (905) 658-9927 as soon as possible. For payment options/information, please contact Gerald.
CIMARE Great Lakes Branch – Technical Paper Presentation by Wartsila Exhaust Treatment
CIMarE GREAT LAKES BRANCH INVITES YOU TO JOIN THEM FOR A TECHNICAL PRESENTATION
DATE: Friday, October 27th, 2023
TIME: 11:30 (Eastern) Presentation 12:00 to 12:30
Location: Walter Hiltebrand Marine Services Ltd.
2235 Hwy. 20 E, Unit 27-28, Welland, ON L3B 5N5
Wärtsilä Development of Onboard Carbon Capture and Storage System for Marine Industry
Abstract:
Decarbonisation is one of the greatest challenges the shipping industry has faced in its long history. At Wärtsilä, we believe that part of the solution lies in technology, and this is why one of the multiple research and development pathways we are focusing on is Onboard Carbon Capture and Storage system. From all the experience throughout the years with SOx scrubbing we believe that we are perfectly placed to pioneer Onboard Carbon Capture and Storage and unlock an immediate decarbonisation impact. Currently we are focusing on solvent-based scrubbing solution aiming at carbon capture rate in line with IMOs decarbonisation targets. We have successfully been operating our test installation since 2021 and have several pilot projects under work. We are currently working on the complete value chain to have a system that makes a genuine difference.“
Please share to with anyone who may be interested in this presentation!
Please RSVP at cimareglb@gmail.com for this event – we need to confirm final numbers no later than Oct 20th.
GREENING THE MARINE INDUSTRY – OPPORTUNITIES & CHALLENGES
CIMarE ATLANTIC BRANCH INVITES YOU TO JOIN THEM FOR AN INFORMATIVE WEBINAR
DATE: Thursday, October 12th, 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)
GREENING THE MARINE INDUSTRY – OPPORTUNITIES & CHALLENGES
Abstract:
In recent years, the marine industry has put a significant emphasis on making the world’s fleets “greener” and more environmentally friendly. Driven by public opinion, and enforced by IMO, flag state and other regulators, alternative fuels and advanced propulsion and power generation arrangements have become mainstream.
As always, stakeholder enthusiasm does not necessarily result in marine operators achieving their desired goals. Not all initiatives result in reduced emissions and even fewer provide the necessary operational reliability and a solid business case. To succeed long term, all of these requirements must be met.
This paper will provide an overview of the history of the industry’s greening efforts, identify challenges left to overcome, and look at several real life applications that have successfully been deployed and are delivering the promised results.
Speaker:
Paul Jamer
Paul has been a well-known member of the marine and offshore community for many years. He is a frequent speaker at industry events and has been a guest lecturer at Colleges and Universities both in Canada and Internationally. He has been an active board member for several marine and energy related organizations, specifically as a Chair of the Maritimes Energy Association and Chair of FORCE (Fundy Ocean Research Centre for Energy).
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
Historical Events
Technical Presentation: Wartsila EEXI Engine Power Limitation Energy Efficiency Technology
C.I.MAR.E. ST. LAWRENCE BRANCH INVITES YOU TO JOIN THEM FOR AN INFORMATIVE WEBINAR
DATE: TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14th, 2021
TIME: 12:00 Eastern (8:00 Pacific, 13:00 Atlantic, 13:30 NFLD)
Wartsila EEXI Engine Power Limitation Energy Efficiency Technology
Abstract: Synopsis: Planned to come into action in 2023 the proposed amendments to the MARPOL convention requires ships to combine a technical and an operational approach to reduce their carbon intensity. This is in line with the ambition of the Initial IMO GHG Strategy, which aims to reduce carbon intensity of international shipping by 40% by 2030, compared to 2008. The technical requirement to reduce carbon intensity, based on a new Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index (EEXI); and the operational carbon intensity reduction requirements is based on a new operational carbon intensity indicator (CII). The dual approach aims to address both technical (how the ship is retrofitted and equipped) and operational measures (how the ship operates). The attained Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index (EEXI) is required to be calculated for every ship and in this webinar we will analyze the calculation and identify measures that will improve efficiency that will by extension improve the EEXI and CII.
Speaker:
Mark Keneford has been with Wartsila for 10 years. Mark is responsible for Wartsila Marine Solutions sales across Canada and works with shipowners, design companies, shipyards and various regulatory and other marine stakeholders in addressing solutions to meet their challenges.
Contact: mark.keneford@wartsila.com, Mobile +1 514 247 5940
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.


