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 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.
Vancouver Island Branch Meeting and Technical Presentation
Thursday’s presenter will be Klaus Kreye from BC Hydro.
He’ll be speaking about power supply to Vancouver Island and particularly to the challenges of providing cold-ironing capability at the Ogden Point piers.
He’ll welcome all questions, not just particular ones to the topic above, recognizing that his expertise and ours overlaps in the field of shorepower requirements of large cruise ships. and there are a wide range of interesting electrical issues in play on our Island.
The meeting will use CIMarE’s GoToMeeting software as its platform
It’s an easy platform to use (trust me on this……….I’ve had no problems using it, and I’m no computer whiz……)
The site will open at 1900; the first 30 minutes are the equivalent of the friendly conversations prior to our in-person meetings, and can also provide time to salt down minor procedural glitches. The presentation will start at 1930 from your favorite browser, log into the members only area and view the event to get the GoTo Meeting Link.
Our Web Meeting Coordinator, Brian Merz, will be onsite to support us if there is a hiccup, and can be reached by phone at 236-562-4738 once the site opens.
This new media platform will widen the scope of future potential presentations and it will enable us to stay in contact with one another both visually and audibly.
Our first few virtual Branch meetings have been excellent.
I hope that all who can will partake of this opportunity to be part of a significant step forward in the Vancouver Island Branch’s future.
Technical Presentation: Schoenrock Hydraulik Marine Systems – Access in Motion
C.I.MAR.E. ST. LAWRENCE BRANCH INVITES YOU TO JOIN THEM FOR AN INFORMATIVE WEBINAR
DATE: TUESDAY, January 12th
TIME: 12:00 pm EST (9:00 am PACIFIC, 1:00 pm ATLANTIC, 1:30 pm NFLD)
Schoenrock Hydraulik Marine Systems – Access in Motion
Abstract: Water ingress caused by a damage of the ships hull is next to fire the second main threat for the life of crew members of a ship and the vessel itself. To keep the vessel afloat and control the effects of such an ingress is therefore a vital task of ship designer, crew members and finally supplier of equipment against this impact. Integrity stability calculation and damage control can save the vessel against sinking and so the crew of getting into a serious, probably lethal situation. Schoenrock Hydraulik Marine Systems is with their products part of the solution to keep damaged vessels at the water surface and to secure it against a worst-case scenario.
The presentation should give a view to the state-of-the-art technology of modern watertight door systems as well as watertight shell doors and hatches. The focus will be at the sliding door solutions, available drive concepts and actual developments how to get the doors tight up to 50m water column. Finally, some special designs like combined A60 fire rated watertight doors and shock-approved door solutions will be shown.
The presenter:
Dr. Ing. Volker Behrens, Managing Director, Schoenrock Hydraulik Marine Systems
Dr.-Ing. Volker Behrens is working since more than 12 years for Schoenrock. Staying 12 years in the German Navy as a technical and damage control officer and a later position as sales manager for air-conditioning and fire-fighting systems are a perfect background to understand not only the technology of watertight doors and hatches, but also consider the whole aspects of protecting vessels against damages with water ingress.
Canadian-Finnish cooperation on New Arctic Marine Technologies
Presentation by Team Arctic Finland
Date: December 2nd, 2020, at 9:00 am to 11:15 am Eastern
Team Arctic Finland and Embassy of Finland in Ottawa are happy to invite you to join the webinar “Canadian-Finnish cooperation on New Arctic Marine Technologies”.
Registration is not compulsory, but to enable further networking, you may provide your personal data voluntarily and give your approval to share this data among the webinar participants afterwards.
You can register yourself here.
You can also forward this invitation within your organization.
The webinar will be organized in Teams. Please use the link below to join the webinar.
For Q&A, please use the Teams chat.
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Microsoft Teams meeting
Join on your computer or mobile app
Click here to join the meeting
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Should you have any questions, please contact Anu Vaahtera, Project Manager of Team Arctic Finland (email: anu.vaahtera@gaia.fi, SMS or WhatsApp +358 50 563 0326).
Technical Presentation by GE Power Conversion: Harry DeWolf-Class AOPS
C.I.MAR.E. ST. LAWRENCE BRANCH INVITES YOU TO JOIN THEM FOR AN INFORMATIVE WEBINAR
DATE: TUESDAY, DECEMBER 8th
TIME: 12:00 pm EST (9:00 am PACIFIC, 1:00 pm ATLANTIC, 1:30 pm NFLD)
GE Powering the RCN’s first All Electric Vessels: the Harry DeWolf-Class Arctic/Offshore Patrol Ship
Learning Objective: to inform the Canadian Marine Industry about GE’s technology embodied in the modern electric propulsion systems for ice class ships, with a focus on the RCN’s newest Class, the Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ships (AOPS).
Abstract: The first AOPS, HMCS Harry DeWolf, was delivered to the Royal Canadian Navy on July 31, 2020, in Halifax. This lead ship is the first of six vessels for the RCN with two variants to be built for the Canadian Coast Guard. At 103 metres and 6,615 tonnes, HMCS Harry DeWolf is the largest RCN ship built in Canada in 50 years. All eight ice class vessels will be built by Irving Shipbuilding Inc. in Halifax, Nova Scotia. They are powered by GE Power Conversion’s integrated full-electric propulsion system, with the engines, shaftlines and propellers provided by GE’s consortium partner MAN Energy Solutions – Canada.
This presentation will describe the key characteristics of GE’s recent high voltage and low voltage solutions for IACS Polar Class 5 vessels including “Active Front End (AFE)” and “Diode Front End (DFE)” variable frequency drive configurations. GE provided low voltage AFE propulsion for the Chilean Antarctica now under construction by ASMAR, high voltage AFE propulsion for South Africa’s Antarctic vessel S.A. Agulhas II, and high voltage DFE propulsion for the eight AOPS.
Presenters
Gene Joelson, P.Eng., CD1, M.Eng., M.Sc., M.B.A.
Manager Business Development, GE Energy Power Conversion Canada Inc.
Mr. Joelson spent several years at sea in senior engineering positions in the ships and submarines of the RCN. He holds advance degrees in engineering and business management. Gene is responsible for the development of GE Power Conversion’s marine business in Canada. Based in Mississauga, Ontario, he works closely with Power Conversion’s technology centres in the US, UK and France to bring GE’s world class electric ship propulsion technology to Canada.
Please RSVP with the St. Lawrence Branch if you are interested in attending. st.lawrence-branch@cimare.ca
Vancouver Island Member Meeting – November
C.I.MAR.E. VANCOUVER ISLAND BRANCH INVITES YOU TO JOIN THEM FOR AN INFORMATIVE WEBINAR
DATE: THURSDAY, November 19th, 2020
TIME: 19:00 PACIFIC (22:00 EASTERN, 23:00 ATLANTIC, 23:30 NFLD)
HAVE YOU EVER WONDERED WHAT IT TAKES TO MOOR A LARGE SHIP? – QUITE A BIT!
A presentation with a blend of construction diagrams, history, objectives and sea stories leading up to descriptions of the new dolphin project at Odgen Point, BC
Presenter
Mark Crisp, Director, Infrastructure,
Greater Victoria Harbour Authority
Mark is responsible for planning and implementation of Asset and Capital works programs/projects for Greater Victoria Harbour Authority.
