Message from the editor As you pick up this issue of The Bridge, you might have noticed that we have adopted a brand new look and feel for the publication. Why? The revitalization of The Bridge is a symbol of how the Marine Institute is moving forward, setting new goals and looking at new ways to position ourselves as a leader in the ocean technology sector as the premier world oceans institute. And with each passing day the Marine Institute gets closer and closer to achieving this goal. As we continue to expand our programs, advance our research capabilities and expertise and open our doors to the global oceans community, MI is establishing itself as one of the major players in advancing the ocean technology sector here at home and around the globe. This issue of The Bridge highlights how we are accomplishing this with the help of our students, faculty, staff, alumni, government and industry partners. Without them, the Marine Institute would not exist and to share their stories and how they contribute to MI’s success is a privilege. A building is but brick and mortar. It’s the people within that bring ideas and innovation to life. Here are their stories.
Executive director’s message It’s hard to believe that another year is upon us. 2008 proved to be very exciting and rewarding for the Marine Institute. We’ve expanded our program offerings, enhanced our student services and established new partnerships. We also saw a record increase in donations for our scholarship program. I want to say thank you to all of our donors, for your valuable contribution to our students and the Marine Institute. You recognize the critical need to provide student support and believe that fostering leadership in our students is the first step in creating a skilled, highly educated workforce. Last year we also hosted Dr. Robert Ballard as he opened the institute’s new Immersion Presents theatre and addressed the graduating class of 2008. This visit represented one of the many joint initiatives that have resulted from our thriving relationship with the School of Oceanography at the University of Rhode Island. The work of the faculty and staff involved in this partnership is a testament to how our local expertise is contributing to the world oceans industries and how together we are building on our respective capabilities and furthering our opportunities. We also saw an increase in enrolment numbers last year – a positive sign that we are getting the message out there about the endless opportunities in the oceans sector. Every sector is looking for remarkable men and women to work in and lead their industries today and in the years to come. Our graduates are being sought out for their tremendous reputation in professionalism and leadership.
Stephanie Barrett, Editor
Glenn Blackwood, Executive Director
Although we did see an increase in recruitment, much work needs to be done. We are experiencing a time in which the potential for young people in this province has never been greater. Career opportunities in the ocean sector are at an all-time high, especially in the marine transportation and oil and gas sectors. One of our priorities is to educate people about these immense and unprecedented opportunities and promote and create awareness of career opportunities in the marine sector with the goal of recruiting more students into these careers. With government and industry support, I believe we can achieve this goal. Despite the challenges that lie ahead, one thing remains unchanged – the unwavering support and dedication of our faculty, staff, management, students and community supporters. I want to thank each and every one of you for your determination in making Marine Institute the finest institution of its kind and for your leadership in your respective fields.
CONTENTS 3 4 5 7 9 11 12 13 15 16
MI to establish online masters programs
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New faces Soldier On. Soldier aims to conquer world summits for a good cause
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Campus happenings Classroom ‘CLICKERS’ catching on Ocean researchers share findings off Newfoundland’s deeps CMS soaring to new heights Portal to the Ocean MI’s new research office to unlock immense potential Fishing for new ways to catch cod Modernizing a traditional fishery Student Connection By Brent Mansfield Third year nautical science student
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The Marine Institute provides expertise for Vietnamese aquaculture producers By Cyr Couturier MI’s flashover simulator first for province Protecting the Ukraine’s future MI student seeks to conserve her country’s coastline MI in the news Marine Institute and Camosun College partner for ocean technology MI expands Chinese partnerships Ocean innovation 2008 a success Alumni updates Recycling helps more than the environment Taking the helm with Captain Bob Bartlett 1,000 More reasons to study at MI
The Bridge is published twice a year by Fisheries and Marine Institute of Memorial University. We welcome submissions, story ideas, photographs, letters, and, of course, your comments.
Graphic Design: Melanie Smith Photography: Stephanie Barrett, Angie Bishop, Shane Kelly, Danielle Percy, Melanie Smith, Kim Thornhill, Phil Walsh, Paul Winger WINTER 2009
Editor P.O. Box 4920 St. John’s, NL, Canada A1C 5R3 Tel: (709) 778-0677 Fax: (709) 778-0672 Public.Relations@mi.mun.ca THE BRIDGE: NEWS FROM THE MARINE INSTITUTE
066-282-01-09-5,000
Editor: Stephanie Barrett
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he Marine Institute recognizes the immense value in continuing education and strives to offer flexible, accessible, and innovative learning experiences to meet the needs of a unique and evolving student population. In order to meet the professional development and learning needs of these individuals employed in the marine and technology sectors, the development of innovative graduate programs is a key element. In collaboration with the Faculty of Business Administration, MI is set to establish two specialized Masters programs – Master of Maritime Management and Master of Technology Management, which will provide those in the marine and technology sectors with professional development opportunities to facilitate advancement in management positions. All courses within the programs will be offered fully online, attracting students from a global market and addressing the needs of this unique professional population. Both
programs
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understanding of the structure and operation of organizations and the factors that influence business decisions in the context of marine and technology based organizations. There will be a management focus through the development of knowledge and understanding of the nature of marine and technology operations and the factors that have an impact on their success, as well as the ability to apply these concepts within their organizations. Elective courses will enable students to focus on particular aspects of maritime or technology management most applicable to their situation and interests. Dr. Peter Fisher, head of the Marine Institute’s Division of Academic and Student Affairs, explains that these new programs will be of significant benefit, in terms of career progression, to individuals working in the marine and technology sectors. “We launched the Bachelor of Maritime Studies and Bachelor of Technology programs to provide individuals who had followed a technical post-secondary education with the
opportunity to earn a degree, to advance in their chosen field. The introduction of these new masters programs is a natural extension of that process.” “The fact that the courses are offered online allows students who are continuing to work and who live at a distance from the institute to complete the program. This also enables us to offer the programs to graduate students from other institutions around the world.” Upon completion of the programs, graduates will possess the knowledge and skills required for progression in management positions in the marine and technology sectors and may choose to continue their studies in the Faculty of Business Administration MBA program. The program is open to those who have a Bachelor of Maritime Studies, Bachelor of Technology, or other undergraduate degree and who will normally have an undergraduate GPA acceptable to the School of Graduate Studies. ~ WINTER 2009
Marine Institute also welcomes:
Ilya Savinov
Crystal-Lynn Gorman Dawn Roche
Jillian Kavanagh
Student Recruitment, word processing equipment operator I -----------------------------------------------
Shawn Bishop Student Recruitment, junior recruitment officer -----------------------------------------------
Rhonda Pittman Division of Academic and Student Affairs, student liaison officer -----------------------------------------------
Jennifer Seeman Library, library technician I -----------------------------------------------
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he Marine Institute is pleased to welcome Jillian Kavanagh to the position of planning analyst. Jillian graduated from Memorial in 2004 with a Bachelor of Science degree in biochemistry and went on to complete her MBA in 2007. Prior to joining MI’s Marketing and Business Development Department, Jillian worked with Strategic Directions Inc., a consulting firm in St. John’s. MI welcomes Dawn Roche as publisher of The Journal of Ocean Technology with the School of Ocean Technology (SOT). Dawn is no stranger to the publishing world as she was the editor of Luminus Magazine prior to joining the SOT. She also worked as a book publisher for Creative Book Publishing. Dawn’s work has also taken her to the Middle East where she edited a monthly magazine, Qatar Happenings
Kieley Best
and worked for the Government of Qatar’s Tourism Authority, researching and writing all English-language tourism materials.
CASD, technical assistant -----------------------------------------------
Ilya Savinov, who once roamed the halls of
Computer Services, manager -----------------------------------------------
Phil Kirby MI as a naval architect student, returns to the Centre for Marine Simulation (CMS) as a naval architect/numerical modeller. Born in Latvia, Ilya came to Canada 10 years ago to further his education. He obtained a Technician Diploma in Computer Programming from George Brown College in Toronto, Technology Diploma in Naval Architecture from the Marine Institute and went on to complete his Bachelor of Technology degree. Ilya comes to MI with solid experience from S.H.M Marine International, a Naval Architecture/Marine Engineering Company in Victoria, British Columbia where he worked as a junior naval architect. ~
Michael Quinton Computer Services, programmer analyst -----------------------------------------------
Trevor Kearsey Marketing and Business Development, web editor -----------------------------------------------
Jim Strickland School of Fisheries, instructor -----------------------------------------------
Ian O’Brien School of Maritime Studies, instructor -----------------------------------------------
Fabian Lambert School of Maritime Studies, instructor -----------------------------------------------
Ali Cherid School of Ocean Technology, instructor -----------------------------------------------
Paul Elliott School of Ocean Technology, instructor -----------------------------------------------
Dale Temple School of Ocean Technology, instructor -----------------------------------------------
Saradha Venkatraman School of Ocean Technology, instructor -----------------------------------------------
Kelly Waters School of Ocean Technology, marine electronics technologist -----------------------------------------------
Melanie Smith Marketing and Business Development, graphic designer ----------------------------------------------WINTER 2009
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he Seven Summits, Kilimanjaro, Denali, Elbrus, Aconcagua, Carstensz Pyramid, Vinson and Everest, are the highest mountains of each of the seven continents. Summiting all of them is regarded as a mountaineering challenge and Jean-Paul Richard is up to the task. Leading Seaman (LS) Richard, navy student at the Marine Institute and an outdoor enthusiast, plans to conquer each summit one by one, with Aconcagua in South America being the first. On Dec. 13, LS Richard headed to South America to take on the highest peak of the Andes and South America, and the highest point outside of Asia at 22,841 feet (6,962 m) high. His group began the trek on Dec. 15, unfortunately, LS Richard began experiencing symptoms of high altitude cerebral edema (HACE). HACE is a severe form of and sometimes fatal altitude sickness. Immediate descent is a neccessary lifesaving measure so LS Richard had to return to base camp on Christmas Day to recover. Despite this set back, he is more determined than ever to achieve his goal. “I am going back there next Christmas to try again,” said LS Richard. “This minor glitch only motivates me even more.” WINTER 2009
Why take on such a feat? LS Richard explains his purpose for the climb was two-fold. “Everyone has goals that they set for themselves in life and mine have always been physical,” he said. “I wanted to extend this physical challenge to myself but at the same time, I wanted to raise awareness of and promote the Soldier On program.” The Soldier On program was created in 2007 in collaboration with the Canadian Paralympic Committee. It contributes to optimizing the functional independence of injured soldiers by delivering services that support their full and active participation in physical activities, recreation or sport. The program promotes and supports the return to military service and is accomplished through close working relations with the Department of National Defense and the Canadian Forces. “The Soldier On program hits close to home for me, being involved in the military and having served overseas on missions,” said LS Richard. “I firmly believe that physical activity is one of the first steps in rehabilitating people. This program gets them focusing on what they can do, instead of what they can’t. This climb was intended to inspire
others to become more physically active while at the same time bring some much deserved attention to this great program.” LS Richard is no stranger to testing his limits. A self-proclaimed physical activity junkie, he regularly rock-climbs, mountain bikes, hikes, and trail runs. “I will be ready to tackle this mountain again.” As he gears up to tackle the next summit LS Richard offers some advice to anyone who believes that conquering mountains is out of their reach. “How do you know if you never try? Everyone has limitations but the key is to overcome them and realize that you can do anything you put your mind too. Challenge yourself and I’m sure you’ll be surprised with the outcome.” “That’s the message I want to convey. You have to say ‘I will do that’, not ‘I want to do that’ and whatever your Everest may be, you can conquer it.” To find out more or to donate, visit www.cfsoldieron.ca ~
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Campus Happenings Irish initiatives going strong The Marine Institute entered into a new strategic alliance with the Independent Food Quality Consultants (IFQC) in Ireland. IFQC and Marine Institute will co-market and deliver Seafood Certification Services to the North American Seafood Sector. MI was also named as the trustee of IFQC’s Eco Label for farmed salmon in February 2008.
Campus Happenings ...
Go “fly” a ROV
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The Marine Institute has launched a new ROV Program for high school graduates. This two year program is designed specifically for high school graduates who want a career that combines engineering, technology, computer and science skills in an oceans environment. Students will be trained in ROV piloting, hydraulics, electronics, electrical, underwater navigation, ROV launch and recovery operations and workplace safety. They will also experience live field training, simulated exercises in specialized ROV facilities, classroom instruction and a work term with industry. This program is the only one of its kind offered in Canada at a post-secondary institution.
Twenty years and going strong MI’s Centre for Sustainable Aquatic Resources (CSAR) celebrated its 20th anniversary this past summer. MI congratulates all of our former and
THE BRIDGE: NEWS FROM THE MARINE INSTITUTE
current employees for their tremendous work as we mark the 20th anniversary of our contribution to fisheries education and research.
Researcher shares peace prize Dr. George Rose, a professor and head of Fisheries Conservation with the Marine Institute, was one of the 2,500 scientists of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. Dr. Rose was a contributing author for chapter 15, “Polar Regions (Arctic and Antarctic)” of the IPCC report entitled, “Climate Change 2007: Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability.”
Cleaning for a cause The SERT Centre, along with the Stephenville Fire Department, raised over $2,500 for Daffodil Place during the Typically Canadian Bike Tour. The money was raised by hosting a car wash and boot drive and was collected in under three hours. Also, staff and students from the SERT Centre, as well as the town fire chief, rode their bikes from Stephenville to the Trans Canada Highway and back to show their support.
A decade of success 2008 marks the 10th Anniversary of the first graduate of the Bachelor of Technology Program and the
convocation of its first graduate. Since then, over 750 students have graduated from the program which has provided the opportunity for large numbers of technology diploma graduates from the Marine Institute, the College of the North Atlantic and other Canadian colleges and institutes to earn a relevant university degree.
Student services focus of conference The 2008 Canadian Association of College and University Student Services (CACUSS) Conference reception held at MI in June was the largest event of its nature hosted by MI. It was a tremendous success, providing a Newfoundland and Labrador themed buffet and beverage service to 625 delegates.
MI hosts international simulation experts In July, the School of Maritime Studies welcomed educators and researchers from around the world to explore the impact of simulation training and research on the marine transportation industry for the 15th International Navigation Simulator Lecturers’ Conference (INSLC). This was only the second time Canada has hosted the biannual conference since its first meeting in 1980. The 2008 conference included representatives from maritime universities in Australia, Canada, China, Denmark, Germany, Ireland, The Netherlands and the United States. WINTER 2009
The Marine Institute attended the first annual North Atlantic Fish and Workboat Show at St. John’s Mile One Stadium on Nov. 21-22, 2008. Hundreds of attendees visited MI’s booth as staff members talked to commercial fishers and professionals about training and applied research solutions for the fish harvesting, aquaculture and processing sectors. Attendees also had the opportunity to experience how a trawl “flies” in MI’s model flume tank and learn the latest in fishing vessel stability with its E-simulator. Earlier in the year, the flume tank was also a unique attraction at the Working Waterfront Festival in New Bedford, Massachusetts.
Safety and survival spotlight Faculty members at the Offshore Safety and Survival Centre (OSSC) recently lent their expertise to national and international conferences. Graham Small presented on Survivor rescue with application to the Grand Banks to the Canadian Risks and Hazards conference, James Boone presented on Cold water survival and thermal properties of life rafts to the International Association for Safety and Survival Training and Rob Brown presented on Lessons learned in survivor rescue to the International Association for Safety and Survival Training. The OSSC is also currently engaged in a project, in partnership with the National Research Council Canada Institute for Ocean Technology (NRC-IOT), regarding the thermal properties of lifeboats. WINTER 2009
Marine Institute Employee Wins Award for Student Services Angie Clarke, placement officer with the Marine Institute was recently selected by the Student Affairs and Services Association (SASA) as the winner of the 2008 New and Emerging Professionals Award. The official announcement was made at the annual Canadian Association of College and University Student Services (CACUSS) Conference held at Memorial University in St. John’s from June 22-25. The new award won by Ms. Clarke encourages a professional who has been working in student affairs/services less than five years and acknowledges outstanding potential, while rewarding service and leadership in the profession early in one’s career. The recognition consists of a commemorative plaque and a cash award. This is the second award for the institute’s Student Affairs Office in recent years. In 2007, the MI’s guidance/student affairs officer, Gary Green, was honoured with the President’s Award of Exemplary Service.
Control Point (HACCP) Auditor. As a result of this new accreditation, Kim has reached a significant level of professional recognition, indicating a proficiency in and a comprehension of auditing tools and techniques that support a Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) system. Individuals who earn this certification are allowed to use “ASQ CHA” on their business cards and professional correspondence. Kim has been working as a quality supervisor with CASD since April 3, 2006 and is a graduate of the Advanced Diploma in Food Safety program. As the quality supervisor, Kim is responsible for ensuring CASD is in compliance with MI’s ISO 9001 quality system, the centre’s food safety plan, and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s regulatory requirements for the production of seafood and processed fruit and vegetable products.
Evolution and Innovation
MI Employee Receives ASQ-Certified HACCP Auditor Certification The Certification Board of the American Society for Quality recently announced that Kim Snelgrove, quality supervisor with the Centre for Aquaculture and Seafood Development (CASD), had completed the requirements to be named an ASQCertified Hazard Analysis and Critical
MI’s Annual Review 2007-08 is now online! Check it out at www.mi.mun.ca
Campus Happenings ...
Flume tank highlight at fish expo
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aculty members often find themselves gazing out at a sea of faces and wondering … “Is this stuff sinking in?” A new technology gaining popularity at the Marine Institute helps answer that question before final exams settle the matter for good. Known as personal response systems, or “clicker” technology, the devices allow instructors to get a quick read on what students understand and what topics might need further review. The handheld device uses radio frequency to
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transmit student responses to multiple choice, true/false, numeric, survey and short answer questions to a wireless receiving device on the instructor’s computer. When questions are posed to students, the results are then formatted into digital graphics that are integrated into PowerPoint presentations shared with the classroom. The School of Maritime studies at the institute began piloting the new technology this fall. Instructor Shelly Curtis is using it in all her first-year
classes and feels it gives her a great indication of the students understanding of classroom material. “The results and feedback are immediate,” said Ms. Curtis. “I can gauge right away whether or not the students understood the lecture material and if not, I can go back and review it again. If several students are responding incorrectly, I can go back and reinforce those concepts.” “I have also been incorporating it into the WINTER 2009
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...This technology allows everyone to get involved. I’ve also noticed that students are coming to class much more prepared ...
classroom in different formats, and using features such as assigning homework on clickers to make it exciting for the students and thus keeping them more engaged.” Trying to introduce the new “clickers” was not without hiccups however. “The first week was difficult,” added Ms. Curtis “The students had to learn how to use the clickers and when you are dealing with new technology, there are always bugs that need to be worked out. Now that the students are more familiar with the process, the clicker sessions are going much more smoothly.” Ms. Curtis is also very impressed with the increased level of student participation in class and credits the anonymous response feature of the program. “When you ask for a show of hands in response to a question, many students refrain from doing so. This technology allows everyone to get involved. I’ve also noticed that students
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are coming to class much more prepared and tend to get quite upset with themselves when they answer incorrectly.” Her students are also seeing the benefits of this new teaching method. “When I first heard we had to use clickers I was not a fan,” said Katie Seaward, marine engineering systems design student. “I thought it was pointless because we could just write it on paper and hand it in. But after using it in class, I really like it because it’s just like a quiz but you get to see your mark immediately. It’s helpful because it gives you an indication of what you don’t know about the course material and helps to enhance learning.” While it’s unclear how widespread “clicker” usage will be at MI, many other instructors at the institute have expressed interest in learning more about them and their benefits. This
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past summer, Ms. Curtis conducted a session for all instructors with the School of Maritime Studies on clickers and their usage and the feedback was very positive. “Since all the first year students now own a clicker, it is something they can use throughout their entire program and in all their courses.” While not all students have embraced “clickers” into their academic routine, the general consensus is that they are a great, new, innovative approach to learning. “There are always a few students that tend to fall behind early in a semester. Because these students don’t seek out immediate help, unfortunately it is often not discovered until it’s too late,” explains Ms. Curtis. “This new clicker technology will certainly help to prevent and assist with this in a big way.” ~
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he Marine Institute continues to collaborate and build on their partnership with the University of Rhode Island (URI) and this past summer MI’s vessel MV Anne S. Pierce worked with URI’s research vessel, the R/V Endeavor to explore for shipwrecks and study unique geology off the coast of the province. During a week-long expedition in July, researchers from both universities worked onboard to collect data along the southwest tip of the Grand Banks and in Placentia Bay. Using an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) and remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), researchers conducted side-sonar and sub-bottom scans to map the seafloor and studied the unique geology of the southeast coast. The team identified a number of sonar targets of interest to marine geologists and archeologists on the cruise, including five possible shipwrecks. In Placentia Bay, the Endeavor rendezvoused with the MV Anne S. Pierce, to study the deep coral communities in the area.
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“This project offers the Marine Institute an opportunity to showcase its unique capabilities in applied research and educational programs for the oceans sectors, especially in the field of remotely operated vehicles,” said Glenn Blackwood, executive director for the Marine Institute. “We are proud to collaborate with the University of Rhode Island once again and share our respective expertise.” The expedition was made possible by an investment of $250,000 from the Department of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development, to explore the maritime cultural landscapes of Placentia Bay and the Grand Banks and provide a better understanding of fishing, history, environmental change, navigation, trade and communications in the region. Visitors to the Marine Institute website were able the follow the mission by viewing live videos from the Endeavor’s control room and ROV cameras and reading the researchers’ daily mission logs.
“The visit of the Endeavor highlights the strong relationship we have built with the University of Rhode Island through our MOU,” added Mr. Blackwood. “The support of the provincial government through the Department of Innovation Trade and Rural Development has been instrumental in building our connections to URI and our collaborations have been an enormous success. Together we are building on our respective capabilities and furthering our opportunities.” This expedition represents one of the many joint initiatives resulting from the Marine Institute’s partnership with URI. In June, world renowned explorer, Dr. Bob Ballard visited the Marine Institute to officially open the institute’s new Immersion Presents Theatre, the only one of its kind in Canada. Immersion Presents offers students the opportunity to explore the advanced technologies being used in ocean activities and showcase the career opportunities that these technologies can afford them. ~ WINTER 2009
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he word skyscraper evokes images of tall buildings in Manhattan but did you know the word traditionally referred to the topsail of a ship? It’s appropriate, then, that an engineering firm called on the research team at the Marine Institute’s Centre for Marine Simulation (CMS) to use their ship bridge simulator to conduct motion testing for super tall buildings such as the Chicago Spire, a skyscraper under construction in Illinois’ largest city. RWDI Group/Motioneering, a company specializing in the design, development and monitoring of motion solutions for a wide range of structural applications, contacted MI last fall to inquire if the bridge simulator could be used to test wind speeds on skyscrapers. The Chicago Spire project was their first venture together. The objective of this project was to test the motion of this newly designed building at various wind speeds, which would help address a number of challenges including motion sickness and fear of movement at great heights. The project was met with great success, which has created a budding relationship between CMS and Motioneering, who have since partnered on another motion study for a proposed building in London, UK.
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Still, the question remains, why use a ship bridge simulator to test a skyscraper? Maria Halfyard, manager, Applied Research and Industrial Projects at CMS, explains. “By using the centre’s full mission bridge simulator, it enables Motioneering to physically experience the sway motion of the building in a wind tunnel test without actually being in the finished structure,” she said. “The full mission bridge simulator displays a realistic 360 degree visual of the specified skyline and produces simulated wind conditions that create a virtual environment of the actual skyscraper. The fact that Motioneering can now translate numbers to actual motion is very significant, especially to their clients.” Peter Irwin, president of RWDI has been very pleased with the results of the Chicago Spire project, as well as the facilities at CMS. “Because of the design of the building, we were predicting a different type of wind response. The building will not only sway from side to side but will also bend in the middle. Since we have only seen the simple swaying motion in the past, we were not exactly clear on how the double motion would affect the structure. Fortunately for us, CMS was able to simulate that using real
motion and we were able to get the data we needed to find a solution. The simulation capabilities at CMS are truly impressive.” RWDI were so impressed that they returned to the institute last fall to participate in a building motion workshop with a select group of some of the top high-rise structural engineering firms in the world. The participants examined scenarios, placing them in context with commonly used motion criteria and design guidelines used today. Experts from RWDI Group/ Motioneering and the Marine Institute also presented on wind engineering, human kinetics and the physiology of motion perception. These projects are certainly a departure for CMS, as they are well known for their simulation-based training and applied research services in ship navigation, marine engineering and ship communications. “It’s great that we are bringing new ideas and projects to the simulator,” said Ms. Halfyard. “We continue to do a lot of research and development at CMS and these projects are a testimony to our technological transferability.” ~
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We really need to reinforce the unique nature of the research and development undertaken at MI and the value of the technologists and technologies that it produces through its training programs and initiatives
The Marine Institute is well known for fostering productive relationships between researchers and local companies to develop and commercialize new ocean technology innovations. Our people contribute meaningful solutions to our clients through communication, collaboration and use of our world-class facilities. MI is taking that commitment to a new level with the establishment of an Office of Research and Development, headed by Ron Newhook, former president of the Canadian Centre for Marine Communications (CCMC). As director and member of MI’s executive committee, Mr. Newhook will coordinate research and development activities across the institute and secure investment for new research, personnel, facilities and equipment to advance our capacity and expertise in oceans research and development. Through strengthening existing collaborations and by building new partnerships the office will reinforce the foundation that supports the institute’s vision to be a world oceans institute – a leader in the global ocean economy. “The Marine Institute has been undertaking applied research and development since it was established,” said Mr. Newhook. “To this point we have been mostly reactive in responding to specific research needs. This new office will allow us to evaluate what is happening within the marine community, identify key areas of interest and position MI as the driver for research and development requirements within the ocean sector here at home and around the world.” The preliminary goals and objectives of the office WINTER 2009
will be to outline and define a clear, dynamic research and development strategy and implement an action plan to grow research and development activity and capacity. This will be accomplished through consultation with both internal and external stakeholders. “We have to engage MI professionals within the various research centres, the broader Memorial research community as well as industry, government and other educational institutions,” added Mr. Newhook. “We need to work more closely together for maximum collective benefit.” These benefits include: building on the strong corps of highly qualified people (HQP) in applied marine research and development at MI; attracting new researchers with complementary interests and skills; attracting students who want to study under these HQPs and who, as trained professionals, respond to the needs of industry and the research community; expansion of research and development infrastructure and; increased funding from various sources such as industry, granting councils and government programs. “We really need to reinforce the unique nature of the research and development undertaken at MI and the value of the technologists and technologies that it produces through its training programs and initiatives,” added Mr. Newhook. “We also need to continue to foster partnerships such as the one we have with the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency. ACOA has provided the institute with significant funding over the years to help grow our capabilities and we look forward to working with them and other partners to ensure that our strengths are utilized to achieve ground-breaking, innovative advancements.” Such unique research initiatives include projects like SmartBay. The SmartBay project began as a technology demonstration project in Placentia Bay in 2005 with the goal of creating awareness of the importance of better observing the marine environment. The project provides a fully-operational information service for improved weather
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forecasting, environmental monitoring, and ship navigation and will help to ensure that the bay’s ecosystem is protected. With this technology SmartBay will provide better information leading to better decision-making. The project is representative of the collaborative approach that is being taken to grow the local ocean technology community from a $250 million industry to a $1 billion industry by 2015. Other research centres at the Marine Institute are also currently engaged in exciting projects. The Centre for Marine Simulation (CMS) has been working with Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC) to study motion sickness (MS) and its effects on task completion. Findings from this research will likely lead to insights about the mechanisms that mediate motion sickness severity and will generate guidance to better inform those who operate or train personnel who operate in cold and motion-rich environments. MI’s Offshore Safety and Survival Centre research unit conducts research aimed at improving the safety of those who work and travel on the ocean. Recently, the centre was engaged in a collaborative project with the National Research Council of Canada’s Institute for Ocean Technology (NRCIOT), Helly Hansen and DRDC to assess the thermal protection and microclimate in totally enclosed lifeboats. This project is funded by Transport Canada and will attempt to address current shortcomings in international regulations. This group of collaborators has successfully worked together on other related projects and has proposed a study to the SAR New Initiatives Fund that will result in improved chances of survival for those who may be involved in a mass evacuation in the Arctic. “The Marine Institute, in collaboration with the ocean community in the province, is now poised to become a world leader in ocean technology and research and the new office of research and development will help strengthen our capacity and capture the invaluable opportunities presented to us by the world’s oceans.”~ THE BRIDGE: NEWS FROM THE MARINE INSTITUTE
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guidelines to achieve the highest possible quality of fish. The cod was processed by the Fogo Island Co-op and the harvester received a financial incentive for the effort.
ewfoundland and Labrador’s history is steeped in the traditional cod fishery and the Marine Institute’s Centre for Sustainable Aquatic Resources (CSAR) is now working to modernize that timehonored tradition. In partnership with the provincial Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture (DFA), Canadian Centre for Fisheries Innovation (CCFI), Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), and the Fish Food and Allied Workers (FFAW), CSAR has been working to develop a baited cod pot fishery throughout the province. Baited pots catch and hold live cod until they are hauled to the surface. They are considered a more sustainable harvesting approach because they land high quality fish products while at the same time reduce discard mortality, spoilage, and ghostfishing. Philip Walsh, a fishing gear technologist with CSAR, has designed and tested several experimental designs of baited pots during the past three to four years. “Our best design is known as the Circle 6. Catches have reached as high as 350 pounds from one
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Rennie Sullivan, technician, CSAR
pot. Last fall, a harvester in Bonavista captured over 1,000 pounds from eight pots and a harvester on Random Island captured approximately 750 pounds from five pots,” he said. In the fall of 2008, cod potting was evaluated in the Fogo Island region for the first time. The project was unique in that it was designed to provide high quality cod directly to a local restaurant in partnership with the Shorefast Foundation and Fogo Island Co-op. As part of the project, a local harvester, Jim Nippard, used his commercial quota during the stewardship fishery. He fished eight pots and followed strict
THE BRIDGE: NEWS FROM THE MARINE INSTITUTE
The provincial government provided approximately $10,000 to support the project. “This project is an excellent opportunity to pursue options for producing a higher quality cod product,” said the Honourable Trevor Taylor, former acting Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture. “It is also an opportunity to achieve higher prices for harvesters while at the same time pursuing a more environmentally friendly form of fishing. For these reasons, our government was pleased to support this project.” Dr. Paul Winger, director of CSAR, is hopeful that the project will act as a model for other communities. “With the exception of hand lining, few gears can produce the quality of fish captured live using baited pots,” he said. “The approach is growing internationally, including similar initiatives in the U.S.A, Faroe Islands, Norway, Sweden, and France. Not surprising, Newfoundland is leading the charge in this innovative field of research,” added Dr. Winger. ~ WINTER 2009
STUDENT CONNECTION
By Brent Mansfield Third year nautical science student Students continue to be a top priority at the Marine Institute. Without them, we would not exist. They are the driving force behind our innovative learning approaches and world class programs and are our most valued ambassadors. Our students are energetic, ambitious and dedicated and we take great pride in showcasing them. In honor of that, the Bridge is pleased to introduce Student Connections, and our first guest columnist, third year nautical science student, Brent Mansfield.
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ike most high school students, I really had no idea what I wanted to be when I grew up. I always had a connection to the ocean and growing up in the small fishing community of Old Perlican, I was introduced to the sea at a very early age. I was also involved with sea cadets for six years which introduced me to chart work and different sea phases. My guidance councilor at the time recommended a career at the Marine Institute. After researching the opportunities, I soon realized that a career on the water was right for me. When I graduated from Baccalieu Collegiate, I decided to try out my sea legs and enrolled in the Nautical Science Program at MI. I plan to work up through the ranks of a ships officer and eventually get my captain’s ticket. When I graduate from the program next year, I will hold an Officer of the Watch Certificate. WINTER 2009
This means that I am qualified as navigating officer and am given the responsibility for the navigational watch of a ship. Sound exciting? Well it is. And the best part is that I am guaranteed a job when I graduate. The demand for Nautical Science graduates is going to dramatically increase over the next couple years. By the year 2015, a shortage of 27,000 ships’ officers is predicted. So there is no better time to get enrolled in Nautical Science at the Marine Institute. What other job out there allows you to work anywhere in the world, live at home or anywhere else you choose, and have an excellent income. And what better place to prepare for this career than at a world-renowned oceans institute. The Marine Institute is a globally known institution and recognized worldwide. The small class sizes allow for a personal relationship with the
instructors. This allows each student to approach the instructor ‘one on one’ and get the academic help or advice they need. Each instructor has come directly from the marine industry and they have the direct experience to teach us what we need to know to be fully prepared to go out in the industry, equipped with a confident attitude and the skills necessary to excel as leaders in our chosen field. During my 12 month on the job training, I was employed with Groupe Desgagnes and Canship Ugland. I have been at sea for a total of 12 months, but in that short time I have been to many parts of Newfoundland and Labrador, the United States, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Quebec, and the Arctic. The opportunities in the marine industry are endless and the future has never looked so bright. ~ THE BRIDGE: NEWS FROM THE MARINE INSTITUTE
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The Marine Institute provides expertise for VIETNAMESE AQUACULTURE PRODUCERS By Cyr Couturier
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ietnam has one of the most rapidly growing economies in Southeast Asia. Aquaculture is one of the three leading sectors, with exports exceeding 1 million tons of products after only a decade of growth. Production consists of various freshwater and marine shrimps (Penaeus sp., Macrobrachium sp.) and several types of Vietnamese catfish called tra or basa (Pangasius sp.).
One of the poorest regions in Vietnam, Tra Vinh Province in the south, also has a burgeoning aquaculture industry, composed of small, family-owned and operated farms. The average income from fish farming is less than $50 per month for farm workers, and in spite of the relatively low cost of living index, it remains one of the poorest regions of Vietnam, and indeed the world. The Tra Vinh Improved Livelihoods Project (TVILP), supported by the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) and the Vietnamese government, is aimed at reducing poverty in the region, focusing on the primary rural commodity sectors in agriculture and aquaculture, where the need for raising the level of income of the poor is the greatest. The Marine Institute is one of several project partners delivering the project. The Vietnamese have identified the need to organize various commodity groups into producer associations to develop improved business and social policies and programming for their members, and to provide a forum for exchange of best operating practices. The Vietnamese have little experience in organizing such associations, so the assistance and advice from Canadian expertise was requested to evaluate possible models for implementation in Tra Vinh and to provide assistance in establishing effective producer
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THE BRIDGE: NEWS FROM THE MARINE INSTITUTE
associations. Given my long time experience as a member and director of several aquaculture associations across Canada (e.g., AANS, NAIA, CAIA, AAC), I was asked to undertake SWOT analysis with small industry members in Tra Vinh and develop an implementation plan to establish two associations, one for aquaculture producers, and a second for small business operators. The support and guidance of CIDA and the Vietnamese people was critical in ensuring the success of this phase of the project. The current difficulties in the global economy make the implementation of an aquaculture producers association even more urgent to deal with grassroots level issues regarding production best practices, access to market information, technology transfer initiatives and the like. The local Peoples Committee has accepted our recommendations and plan for a small producers association and the next steps are to establish the association in its fullness, recruit members and bring them together for a policy meeting, recruit staff (managing director and others), seek financial support and put in place a three-year strategic operations plan. This will likely require a return visit or two and a time commitment in the very near future by Canadian expertise to initiate these activities. I am hopeful we will be given the opportunity to assist once again in this important and interesting part of the world. I have had the opportunity to meet with both small and large farming and processing operators in Tra Vinh, and it is uncanny how many of the constraints faced by these producers are similar to our own in Canada i.e., access to capital, access to sites, access to good seed stock, feed, internal price competition, complicated regulatory and tax regimes, and the list goes on.......the new association will have its work cut out for it! ~ WINTER 2009
MI’S FLASHOVER SIMULATOR first for province
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lashover is probably the most dangerous stage of fire development. It can trap, seriously injure, and even kill a firefighter that fails to recognize the signs before it actually develops. Flashover typically catches firefighters off guard because it develops rapidly with little warning. The Marine Institute’s Safety and Emergency Response Training (SERT) Centre is trying to prevent this by preparing trainees to recognize and respond to flashover fires. This past fall, the SERT Centre acquired a new flashover recognition trainer, the first of its kind in the province. The new simulator will recreate conditions that may lead to a flashover fire in a safe environment thus allowing students to train for the situation. It will teach them to recognize the signs of a flashover and get out before it ignites. Craig Harnum, the SERT Centre’s operations manager, is thrilled to have this new piece of equipment available to students. “We aim to offer world-class firefighting training to our students and in order to do this, you need world-class equipment,” said Mr. Harnum. “This new simulator will greatly enhance the training program and benefit all firefighting personnel who wish to enhance their skills and improve their chances of survival during a flashover.”
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And the key to surviving a flashover fire is preparation. This new simulator will teach students to recognize the tell-tale signs that “announce” the possibility of a forthcoming flashover and prepare a plan of attack. Mr. Harnum goes on to explain that because the risks associated with flashover are so high, understanding what a flashover is and the diverse variations which can occur is integral in competent flashover training. “Knowing the differences between flashover and backdraft and recognizing and addressing the numerous warning signs that indicate a possible flashover before it happens, is extremely important,” added Mr. Harnum. “The students need to rely on visual cues for this and that’s where the simulator comes in.”Students need to rely on these visual cues due to the fact that bunker gear has become so advanced that firefighters cannot feel heat. These cues include thick dark smoke, high heat, rollover and free burning. Trainees go through in-class training sessions to educate and familiarize themselves about flashover fires, and then the training simulator is used for the more hands-on experience.
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Knowing the differences between flashover and backdraft and recognizing and addressing the numerous warning signs that indicate a possible flashover before it happens, is extremely important
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This new simulator technology is currently being used throughout Canada and the United States, including the New York City Fire Department. ~
THE BRIDGE: NEWS FROM THE MARINE INSTITUTE
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WINTER 2009
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t first glance, the Ukrainian coastline seems beautifully majestic, pristine, and unspoiled. The truth is environmental issues along these shores have received little attention in the past. This has left a serious legacy of pollution in coastal and internal waterways, which has adversely affected the ocean environment. Attention to the environment is now a major concern for the Ukraine in terms of both enhancement and protection. Natasha Gruzdyeva, an Integrated and Coastal Ocean Management (ICOM) student at the Marine Institute, has traveled a long way from her home in Odessa to get the education and training necessary to help bring much needed attention to these environmental issues in her home country. “Unfortunately, we do not have an effective coastal management program in the Ukraine,” said Ms. Gruzdyeva. “We are at a stage now where our landscapes have become very vulnerable to impact from economic activity and we really need to improve and protect our coastlines.” Ms. Gruzdyeva goes on to explain that while many people are aware of and concerned about the current environmental conditions, it has not been a priority. “In my opinion, coastal WINTER 2009
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In my opinion, coastal management plays a huge role in the future of the Ukraine so I want to draw much needed attention to it.
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management plays a huge role in the future of the Ukraine so I want to draw much needed attention to it.” Her passion for the ocean and environment is what led her to make a career change. “My background is as a marine engineer so when I decided to leave my job with the cruise line, I saw this as the perfect opportunity to turn my attention towards protecting and preserving the unique natural resources and landscapes of my country.” And the timing could not have been better. Her father, a dean and professor at a marine university in the Ukraine, was
participating in a faculty exchange with MI and found out about the Advanced Diploma in Integrated and Coastal Ocean Management (ICOM) program. He discussed it with Natasha and without hesitation, she began the application process. “We have marine institutions in the Ukraine but none of them offer integrated coastal management programs,” she said. “I was so excited to learn that I had been accepted.” Ms. Gruzdyeva began her program this past September. She plans to graduate in the fall of 2010, at which time she will return to the Ukraine with the things she has learned and educate communities on the implications of their choices, decisions and actions when dealing with coastal zone related management issues and activities. “Effectively managing human pressure on coastal resources is, and will continue to be for the foreseeable future, a challenge for government, industry and people living in these zones,” adds Ms. Gruzdyeva. “Appropriate policies, laws, regulations and institutions are needed to protect coastal lands, watersheds, estuaries, reefs and other vital resources. I cannot do this alone but I hope to be a catalyst for this much needed change.”~ THE BRIDGE: NEWS FROM THE MARINE INSTITUTE
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MI IN THE NEWS Eastern Edge Robotics team take top spot at international ROV competition
hosted over 400 local elementary and junior high students as they took part in Immersion Presents Monterey Bay.
The Eastern Edge Robotics team proved once again that they are the team to beat. The team, comprised of students from the Marine Institute, the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, and the College of the North Atlantic, captured top honors, beating out 25 teams in the Explorer (advanced level) class competition at the 2008 MATE International ROV Competition, held at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography– University of California San Diego, from June 26-28, 2008.
They experienced, in real time, an expedition off the coast of Monterey, California, where they studied endangered sea mammals like the California sea otter and the blue whale.
Besides taking top spot in overall performance, the team placed first for their engineering evaluation, technical report and mission performance. The competition challenges high school and post-secondary teams to design, build, and operate a ROV to perform a series of tasks like those performed by an ROV in an industrial setting. More than 300 students, instructors, mentors, technical assistants, and industry professionals participated in the event, which focused on hydrothermal vents, which are like hot springs in the seafloor, discharging continuous streams of hot fluids from deep beneath the Earth’s crust into the surrounding cold ocean water.
Eastern Edge Robotics team
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Firefit 2008 a huge success As over 500 spectators cheered them on, students and staff from MI’s SERT Centre had another impressive showing at the 2008 Canadian Firefit Championship. Dr. Robert Ballard
Total immersion Dr. Robert Ballard, known for discovering the Titanic among other scientific breakthroughs, officially open the institute’s new Immersion Presents Theatre in June. The theatre, the first of its kind in Canada, is part of an interactive educational program let by Dr. Ballard which uses telepresence technology to allow students and researchers to view live ocean expeditions by scientists from the University of Rhode Island. “We are thrilled to develop this partnership between the Marine Institute of Memorial University and the University of Rhode Island to foster ocean exploration,” said Dr. Ballard. “Immersion Presents offers students the opportunity to explore the advanced technologies being used in ocean activities and showcases the career opportunities that these technologies afford them. It also shows kids that science is not only far from boring or nerdy, it is absolutely essential to preserve one of our most threatened resources, the oceans.” In March, the Marine Institute, in partnership with the Department of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development and the Newfoundland and Labrador Science Centre,
The event, touted as the toughest two minutes in sports, posed no problem for the SERT Centre’s own, Craig Harnum. Mr. Harnum captured gold in the over 40 event, and silver in the Chief ’s category. He also won a silver medal in the Chief ’s division at the National Firefit Championships held in Quinte West, Ontario on Sept. 13-14. Staff members Mike Shannahan and Chris Young also competed and achieved a personal best time. The competition also saw two world records set, one in the Chiefs division and the other in the NXG relay. Chief Jack Hickey set a world record with a time of 1:34:66 and Halifax firefighters Joe Triff and Mike Sears, who are former SERT students, set a world record in the NXG race. Congratulations to everyone!
MI’s research centers capture the limelight The Marine Institute’s Centre for Marine Simulation (CMS) was featured on “A” Channel’s The Life Changers. The Life Changers is a documentary series of half hour programs that feature cutting edge research undertaken at Atlantic Canada’s universities. Traveling to universities across the region, this series highlights extraordinary work, WINTER 2009
groundbreaking research and Atlantic Canada’s most innovative thinkers who are committed to solving the greatest challenges of this new century. Sailing the Virtual Sea, featuring CMS as the most comprehensive suite of marine simulators in Canada aired on “A” Channel on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2008.
SERT Centre holds First DND fire fighting graduation ceremony On April 24, 2008, the SERT Centre held a special graduation ceremony for the Canadian Military as 19 military personnel were presented with Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting program certificates.
MI supports cause to obtain equipment to find drowning victims
“It has been a great pleasure to deliver firefighting and emergency response training to this first group of service personnel,” said Bob Rutherford, director, Offshore Safety and Survival Centre. “The Safety and Emergency Response Training (SERT) Centre very much appreciates the opportunity provided by the Department of National Defense and we hope that this is just the start of a long and successful partnership. We would like to thank the Town of Stephenville, the Stephenville Airport Corporation, ACOA Innovative Communities Fund and the Department of Innovation Trade and Rural Development for their support to this initiative.”
The Marine Institute is lending a hand to the Stephan Hopkins Memorial Foundation. This past June, Glenn Blackwood announced that the institute will work in collaboration with the foundation to provide equipment and training for the recovery of drowning victims.
The SERT Centre opened its door to the Department of National Defense last fall when it introduced a new 30-week program consisting of the basic firefighting modules and the Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting program.
The Discovery Channel’s Daily Planet also caught up with CMS, CSAR and the OSSC earlier this summer to learn more about the research and technology transfer the centers are bringing to the fishing, marine transportation, offshore and engineering industries. Each centre was highlighted throughout the fall in a five minute segment on the popular primetime show.
On July 6, 2007, tragedy struck the Hopkins’ family when Stephan Hopkins was involved in a canoeing accident on Little Bonne Bay pond. It took 73 days for searchers to find Stephan’s body. His body was recovered by a couple from the United States: Gene and Sandy Ralston. They used a side scan sonar and a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) underwater camera. Within 29 minutes, they found his body. To protect other families from the pain the Hopkins’ family experienced in waiting so long to find their son’s body, a group of volunteers set up the Stephan Hopkins Memorial Foundation to raise funds to purchase the same equipment for the province of Newfoundland and Labrador. In October, the foundation announced that it had reached its goal. With the help of sponsors from across the province, the Stephan Hopkins Memorial Foundation was able to raise the funds to allow them to purchase the necessary equipment to aid families and organizations involved in search and recovery efforts should the need arise. WINTER 2009
to ocean technology, including marine environmental studies, marine ecotourism, diving and oil spill response.
To date, 38 cadets have graduated from the program.
World-class marine base for Holyrood The Marine Institute will establish a worldclass marine base in Holyrood with the help of more than $1 million from the Government of Canada, made through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA). The funding was announced in Holyrood by former Avalon MP Fabian Manning on Aug. 19, 2008. Also on hand were Glenn Blackwood, MI’s executive director, and Curtis Buckle, mayor of Holyrood. The Marine Institute is one of the few institutions in the world dedicated to a wide scope of education, training and applied research in support of the marine, industrial and oil and gas sectors and this marine base will add to the institute’s existing centres of ocean research. It will provide training to industry clients and support research related
Glenn Blackwood, executive director, MI
MI student achievement celebrated at fall scholarship ceremony Fifty five Marine Institute students received $60,000 in scholarships at an evening celebration on Nov. 19, 2008 to recognize their commitment to pursuing their chosen careers in the oceans sector. The annual Fall Scholarship and Awards Presentation celebrates student academic excellence and leadership skills and is made possible through the generosity of local and national businesses, organizations and individuals. Each year, the scholarship program at the Marine Institute continues to grow and this year was no exception. Newly added scholarships include the Algoma Central Scholarship, the Canadian Association of University Women Scholarship, PanGeo Subsea Incorporate Scholarships, Robert Gillespie Reid Scholarship and the Janet Warf Memorial Scholarships. Dr. Darin King, parliamentary secretary to the Minister of Education, was on hand to address the award-winning students and present the Provincial Government’s Centenary Scholarships on behalf of Minister Burke. Also addressing the students were Dr. Eddy Campbell, acting president, Memorial University and Ms. Iris Petten, Marine Institute’s Advisory Committee. In total, 67 scholarships were awarded. THE BRIDGE: NEWS FROM THE MARINE INSTITUTE
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M a r i n e I n s t i t u t e and C a m o s u n C o l l e g e Partner for Ocean Technology
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roles of applied research and technology transfer hubs, it is consequential that we forge strategic alliances,” said Dr. Roemer. “With respect to ocean technology, we could not have hoped for a more suitable partner than the Marine Institute. This collaboration will indeed be ‘from sea to sea’.”
dvancing education and applied research in Canada’s ocean technology sector is the focus of a new collaboration between the Marine Institute and Camosun College, in Victoria, BC. Glenn Blackwood, executive director of the Marine Institute, and Dr. Tom Roemer, dean of Camosun’s School of Trades and Technology, exchanged a memorandum of understanding to develop new joint initiatives in the ocean technology field at the opening of the Ocean Innovation Conference in St. John’s, NL in October, 2008. “This collaboration brings tremendous opportunities to share and develop our mutual interests in the ocean technology field for the benefit of students, companies and researchers,” said Mr. Blackwood. “Together, we will build our expertise and expand our capacity to serve the training and research needs of the ocean technology sector in Canada and internationally.” The Marine Institute and Camosun College are ideally situated to develop new training and technology transfer initiatives for Canada’s east and west coasts. The agreement allows both educational institutions to explore student and faculty exchanges, academic credit transfers and bridging opportunities between programs.
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The two institutions will also focus on identifying opportunities for joint applied research and development projects in ocean technology and international opportunities where the institutions may work together. “Our oceans and ecosystems in peril call for a truly concerted effort at all levels. As Canada’s colleges and technical institutes have taken on the
THE BRIDGE: NEWS FROM THE MARINE INSTITUTE
Located in Victoria, BC, Camosun College offers more than 100 innovative programs including university transfer and applied degree programs; career and trades training; upgrading and preparatory programs; and continuing education to approximately 16,000 learners. Camosun is the largest provider of engineering technology programs among BC colleges and hosts bridging programs from engineering technology diplomas to engineering degrees. The college has begun to establish applied research and development activity in the area of ocean technology and forge relationships with ocean technology developers on Canada’s west coast. Recently, Camosun College received a federal grant to establish the Vancouver Island Advanced Manufacturing and Rapid Prototyping Centre, which will ultimately aid industry in the development of new ocean technologies. Camosun was also chosen as the site for next years’ Ocean Innovation Conference. ~ WINTER 2009
Ocean Innovation 2008 a success By Sherry Power
L-R: Dr. Yan Zhijun, Dr. Peter Fisher, Wei Yunyu, Wang Yue
MI expands Chinese partnerships
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or more than a decade, the Marine Institute has been actively involved in education, training and technology transfer in China. Partnerships with Jilin and Jiangnan University continue to grow and MI’s faculty and staff continue to participate in trade and technology missions as well as faculty exchanges throughout China. The institute is now looking to create a partnership with Dalian Maritime University. Dalian Maritime University (DMU) is one of the largest and best maritime universities in China and is the only key maritime institution under the Ministry of Communications, People’s Republic of China. DMU enjoys a high reputation internationally as an excellent center of maritime education and training as recognized by the International Maritime Organization. Dr. Peter Fisher, head of the Marine Institute’s Division of Academic and Student Affairs, explains that after a number of visits to DMU, a relationship was built between himself and the international program officer. WINTER 2009
“We were looking to expand our Chinese operations in the marine sector so on one of my visits to DMU, we began talking about opportunities in terms of joint programming, research activities and student and faculty exchanges,” said Dr. Fisher. “For joint initiatives to work, similar interests need to be identified and explored. This led to the idea of a visit from DMU’s faculty members to the institute.” Last October, three faculty members, Dr. Yan Zhijun, a marine engineer and associate professor, Mr. Wei Yunyu, associate professor, and Mr. Wang Yue, a chief mate and instructor, arrived and will be spending a year improving their English proficiency, working with and learning from MI faculty and learning about the institute’s programs and research initiatives and capabilities. “I expect that this will open up opportunities for collaboration in both programming and research between the two institutions,” added Dr. Fisher. “At the end of the day, they will provide a real link between us and DMU that we can then use to establish a partnership that is mutually beneficial for both institutions.” ~
The Marine Institute is pleased to announce a triumphant year for the sixth annual Ocean Innovation Conference & Exhibition held at the St. John’s Convention Centre, Oct 19 - 22. The event, with 190 delegates and exhibitors, hosted big names in the ocean observing industry such as Lockheed Martin from the United States, as well as a strong contingent of Newfoundland and Labrador and Canadian firms. Additionally, the conference’s first-rate program attracted speakers from as far away as Australia and Japan. The theme, Ocean Observing Systems, represented an area of interest for all those connected to ocean exploitation, transportation and management. One of the highlights of this year’s event was a public lecture by Dr. John Delaney, a prominent oceanographer with the University of Washington. The lecture, presented in partnership with the City of St. John’s, centered on Dr. Delaney’s ground breaking research on ocean observations systems and the new technologies being employed to study the ocean realm. GRI Simulation also took part in this event, bringing a handson flavor with their remotely controlled equipment and providing the public with a bird’s eye view of how we can interact with the sea below. In addition to the main event, a number of inbound missions formed an important part of Ocean Innovation 2008. In particular, special guests travelled from New England and Ireland to take part in the conference. The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador was instrumental in helping facilitate the participation of a number of these key ocean technology buyers and collaborators and the Honorable Trevor Taylor, former Minister of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development welcomed delegates at the opening ceremonies. Other VIPs attending the event included St. John’s Mayor Dennis O’Keefe, Dr. Ralph Rayner, chair, GOOS Scientific Steering Committee, Mr. Glenn Blackwood, executive director of the Marine Institute and Mr. Mark Reichardt, president of the Open Geospatial Consortium. Plans are currently underway for the 2009 and 2010 Ocean Innovation Conferences. The Marine Institute will take the 2009 show on the road to Victoria, British Columbia, where the conference will be hosted by Camosun College. Ocean Innovation returns to St. John’s for 2010. Keep your ear to the water…err ground for updates posted on the event website www.oceaninnovation.ca. ~ THE BRIDGE: NEWS FROM THE MARINE INSTITUTE
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ALUMNI UPDATES
Marine engineer Joanne Welsh the Canadian Forces Way
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By Dawn Roche IT APPEARS that there is not much that can daunt the recently-graduated Joanne Welsh. That is obvious from her career choice and the duties that come with it. Joanne graduated from the Canadian Forces’ Marine Engineering Technician Training Program at Marine Institute in September 2008. In the short months since then, Joanne has taken on the role of marine engineer technician on board the HMCS Toronto — a war ship that runs 24 hours a day, 365 days a year with a crew of 220 personnel. She runs the ship’s main propulsion and auxiliary equipment — what, to some, may seem like an overwhelming career choice. “As a child, I watched my father work on the Great Lake ships and always had an interest in how things worked. So I decided on this career path. Now that I’m here, I have no regrets about my decision. I enjoy trouble shooting the problems on board and the fast-paced work environment is always changing. It’s a great life, in my opinion.” What does it mean to be a marine engineer technician? It means conducting maintenance and rounds on gas turbines, diesel engines, air conditioning and refrigeration equipment, electrical power generation, steam generators, reverse osmosis desalination plants to make sea water drinkable, sea water pumps, fuel pumps, and other auxiliary equipment. Based in Nova Scotia, Joanne lives in Lakeland and has been a member of the Canadian Navy for almost four years. A typical day at sea begins with rounds of the engineering spaces on the ship during a four-hour watch to ensure that the ship is running properly. All engineering spaces
are cleaned and preventative maintenance on non-running equipment is completed. “Our work environment is pretty fast paced. When we are tied up in Halifax, I work a normal work week. When the ship’s at sea, I work a onein-three watch. That means we work one fourhour shift, then off for two four-hour shifts, then back to a four-hour shift. We do this for the duration of time we are at sea.” In addition to these shifts and the regularly scheduled maintenance and operation checks, Joanne and the crew are involved in special training drills. These drills are conducted daily and may include different scenarios such as a fire or flood, a missile attack on the ship, or a ship boarding by hostile parties. While on board, each crew member has his or her own bunk in a space with approximately 20 other crew. Most of the comforts of home are on offer: satellite TV, showers, laundry facilities, five meals a day, a canteen, and a bar that operates while a sea. The ship is fully functional: it can be re-fueled while at sea and can house a helicopter and its crew. There is also a full sickbay with two physicians’ assistants.
Other successful alumni............ Laura Healy, Food Technology ’08, this Witless Bay native decided that a career in food technology was the right choice for her and she was right! Since graduating from the Marine Institute’s food technology program, Laura has been working with Maple Leaf Consumer Foods in Berwick, Nova Scotia as a production management trainee (PMT). Laura is also working towards her Bachelor of Technology degree at the institute. Denise Legge, Bridge Watch ’08, heard about the Bridge Watch program last year from a friend working in the Gulf of Mexico. She enrolled in the offering delivered in Corner Brook/St. John’s and upon completing the program was offered full-time employment with the Canadian Coast Guard. Denise is currently working on CCGS Cape Roger as a Deckhand. Wayne F. Walsh, Diploma in Marine Engineering ’05, has been working with the Iron Ore Company of Canada since graduation. He currently works as Team Leader. Raj Joshi, Nautical Science ’96, currently works with the NSCC Nautical Institute teaching in the area of marine simulation.
Although the work environment can be extremely hot and dirty, Joanne remains motivated by her work, her peers and her superiors.
William J.S. Tulk, Marine Engineer, retired as Chief Engineer after a very successful career of 36.5 years with Marine Atlantic.
“There are always problems that arise which add to the mental challenge of this position,” said Joanne. “But the Navy is very big on teamwork, which helps us all work toward the same goal of keeping the ship operating smoothly and safely.” ~
Commander Robert J. Clark, Bachelor of Maritime Studies, has enjoyed a very successful career with Canada’s Military and assumed Command of CFS St. John’s in July 2007.
Mr. Robert Butler........................................................................................................ Mr. Robert Butler, former vice-president of the College of Fisheries, passed away on Sunday, Oct. 26, 2008 at the age of 85. Mr. Butler was an educator who taught in many Newfoundland communities during his 39 year career. Originally from Kelligrews, he
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received his Masters Degree in Education from the University of Toronto and was the supervising principal of Gander Amalgamated School when he was appointed as vice-president of the College of Fisheries on July 1, 1968. He served in this position for 12 years until he retired in 1980.
Mr. Butler was highly recognized for his contributions to the College of Fisheries and the education and training of students throughout his long career. The Marine Institute would like to extend sympathies to his wife, Vivian and his family. WINTER 2009
G N I L C RECY helps more than the environment
L-R: Mike Wadden, Ever Green Recycling, Noel Veitch, campus food bank, Brian Quinn, MI, Paula Mallard, MI.
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ecycling is a great way to help preserve the environment but staff, faculty and students of the Marine Institute have also found a way to help turn those old beverage containers into food for those in need. Over $2,200 was collected through the beverage container recycling program at the institute and donated to the MUN campus food bank. The cheque presentation was made at the institute on Nov. 25 by Mike Wadden, Ever Green Recycling.
Noel Veitch, campus food bank coordinator, says donations such as this are always welcome and needed but this one is especially timely with the Christmas season right round the corner. “The money that we received will go towards buying the perishable food items that people do not normally donate such as fruit, vegetables and milk,” said Mr. Veitch. “We are in the process of preparing for our Christmas hampers and this money will go a long way to ensure that we can
WINTER 2009
purchase food that we don’t get in sufficient supply. A big thank you goes out to the Marine Institute for making this donation possible.” In 2001, an energetic group of MI employees, working to improve student and employee life at MI, implemented the recycling program. Since that time, an estimated 100,000 pop tins per year have been recycled. Committee members, including Brian Quinn, felt that implementing a recycling program at the institute was necessary. “At a staff retreat, we all got together and decided that recycling was a priority for us so with a budget of $1,000 we bought the recycling bins and got the ball rolling,” said Mr. Quinn. “The work that the committee put into this initiative was incredible. Members often went above and beyond to ensure that the program kept going. Without their dedicated help, this program would not have gotten off the ground. It was truly a group effort.”
Mr. Quinn goes on to explain that the recycling program at MI has since expanded to include paper and cardboard. Atlantic Blue Recycling picks up the material twice a week and buy-in has been very successful. “We’re very happy with how the program has progressed and are so glad to be able to help out the campus food bank,” adds Mr. Quinn. “It’s a win-win situation for Ever Green, the food bank, Atlantic Blue, MI and the environment.” The Campus Food Bank assists some 2,000 people per year, 75 per cent of which are Memorial students and their families. About half of those being helped are children. The Campus Food Bank is open Monday and Thursday from 3:30-5:30 p.m. and 7-8 p.m., as well as Sunday from 4-5 p.m. Contact foodbank@mun.ca information. ~
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THE BRIDGE: NEWS FROM THE MARINE INSTITUTE
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Taking the helm with Captain Bob Bartlett T
he Marine Institute’s Centre for Marine Simulation (CMS) will be using its ship bridge simulator for some fun in 2009 as it partners with the Historic Sites Association on their Celebrating Bartlett 2009 celebrations. The centre will offer a simulation of two sections of Captain Bob Bartlett’s historic 1909 Polar expedition voyage in the Roosevelt, the trip in which Bartlett carried American explorer Robert Peary to within 150 miles of the North Pole. This partnership is a natural fit for the Marine Institute given the strong maritime culture of the organization, its history of training mariners, and its expertise in ice navigation. “This is an excellent opportunity to highlight the amazing journey of Bartlett, while also showcasing the centre’s abilities as the most comprehensive suite of marine simulation capabilities in North America,” said Captain Christopher Hearn, director, CMS. “It is exciting
and rewarding to be able to educate about Bartlett’s legacy and achievements.” The centre will offer free tours of the simulator and the opportunity to experience the Peary Polar Voyage simulation for five weeks this summer during the Celebrating Bartlett 2009 program of events. The simulation will allow people to “virtually” sail to the Arctic, including the sensations of hitting and manoeuvering over the ice. Edward Roberts, chair, Celebrating Bartlett 2009 Steering Committee, expressed his appreciation to the Marine Institute for their participation in the festivities. “We are very pleased to have the Marine Institute partner with us for Celebrating Bartlett 2009,” said Mr. Roberts. “The simulation technology provides a wonderful way for members of the public and in particular, children to experience the voyage expedition and gain a better understanding of Bartlett’s great accomplishments. We encourage everyone to take the opportunity this summer to experience first-hand what it was like to voyage to the far North over 100 years ago.” ~
1,000 More Reasons to Study at MI The Marine Institute makes a rewarding education even more affordable with new entrance scholarships for students in our diploma and advanced diploma programs. Starting Sept. 2009, new diploma students with an 80 percent scholarship average or greater will receive $1,000. Students starting their advanced diploma in water quality, sustainable aquaculture, food safety or integrated coastal and ocean management will receive $1,000 with a scholarship average of 75 percent or greater. When you apply to study at the Marine Institute, you are automatically considered for one of these nonrenewable entrance scholarships. No scholarship application required. We value our students’ achievements in academics, leadership and community involvement. That’s why, twice a year, we hand out over $100,000 in scholarships and awards to new and returning students. Coupled with the institute’s highly affordable tuition rate, our numerous scholarships offer a great reason for students to enrol in the Marine Institute’s wide range of programs. For more information, check the Marine Institute Calendar, visit www.mi.mun.ca, or call 709-778-0611. ~ WINTER 2009