the bridge - winter 2009

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As you pick up this issue of The Bridge, youmight have noticed that we have adopted abrand new look and feel for the publication.Why? The revitalization of The Bridge is asymbol of how the Marine Institute ismoving forward, setting new goals andlooking at new ways to position ourselves asa leader in the ocean technology sector as thepremier world oceans institute.

And with each passing day the MarineInstitute gets closer and closer to achievingthis goal. As we continue to expand ourprograms, advance our research capabilitiesand expertise and open our doors to theglobal oceans community, MI is establishingitself as one of the major players inadvancing the ocean technology sector hereat home and around the globe.

This issue of The Bridge highlights how weare accomplishing this with the help of ourstudents, faculty, staff, alumni, governmentand industry partners. Without them, theMarine Institute would not exist and toshare their stories and how they contributeto MI’s success is a privilege.

A building is but brick and mortar. It’s thepeople within that bring ideas andinnovation to life. Here are their stories.

It’s hard to believe that another year isupon us. 2008 proved to be very excitingand rewarding for the Marine Institute.We’ve expanded our program offerings,enhanced our student services andestablished new partnerships. We alsosaw a record increase in donations for ourscholarship program. I want to say thankyou to all of our donors, for your valuablecontribution to our students and theMarine Institute. You recognize thecritical need to provide student supportand believe that fostering leadership inour students is the first step in creating askilled, highly educated workforce.

Last year we also hosted Dr. RobertBallard as he opened the institute’s newImmersion Presents theatre andaddressed the graduating class of 2008.This visit represented one of the manyjoint initiatives that have resulted fromour thriving relationship with the Schoolof Oceanography at the University ofRhode Island. The work of the facultyand staff involved in this partnership is atestament to how our local expertise iscontributing to the world oceansindustries and how together we arebuilding on our respective capabilitiesand furthering our opportunities.

We also saw an increase in enrolmentnumbers last year – a positive sign thatwe are getting the message out thereabout the endless opportunities in theoceans sector. Every sector is looking forremarkable men and women to work inand lead their industries today and in theyears to come. Our graduates are beingsought out for their tremendousreputation in professionalism andleadership.

Although we did see an increase inrecruitment, much work needs to bedone. We are experiencing a time inwhich the potential for young people inthis province has never been greater.Career opportunities in the ocean sectorare at an all-time high, especially in themarine transportation and oil and gassectors.

One of our priorities is to educate peopleabout these immense and unprecedentedopportunities and promote and createawareness of career opportunities in themarine sector with the goal of recruitingmore students into these careers. Withgovernment and industry support, Ibelieve we can achieve this goal.

Despite the challenges that lie ahead, onething remains unchanged – theunwavering support and dedication ofour faculty, staff, management, studentsand community supporters. I want tothank each and every one of you for yourdetermination in making MarineInstitute the finest institution of its kindand for your leadership in your respectivefields.

Stephanie Barrett, Editor Glenn Blackwood, Executive Director

| 2 |THE BRIDGE: NEWS FROM THE MARINE INSTITUTE

EditorP.O. Box 4920St. John’s, NL, Canada A1C 5R3Tel: (709) 778-0677Fax: (709) [email protected]

WINTER 2009

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NNeeww ffaacceess

SSoollddiieerr OOnn.. Soldier aims to conquer world summits for a good cause

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CCMMSS ssooaarriinngg ttoo nneeww hheeiigghhttss

PPoorrttaall ttoo tthhee OOcceeaann MI’s new research office to unlock immensepotential

FFiisshhiinngg ffoorr nneeww wwaayyss ttoo ccaattcchh ccooddModernizing a traditional fishery

SSttuuddeenntt CCoonnnneeccttiioonnBy Brent Mansfield Third year nautical science student

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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.

EEddiittoorr:: Stephanie Barrett

GGrraapphhiicc DDeessiiggnn:: Melanie Smith

PPhhoottooggrraapphhyy:: Stephanie Barrett, Angie Bishop, Shane Kelly, Danielle Percy, Melanie Smith, Kim Thornhill, Phil Walsh, Paul Winger 0066

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| 3 | TTHHEE BBRRIIDDGGEE:: NEWS FROM THE MARINE INSTITUTE WWIINNTTEERR 22000099

The Marine Institute recognizes theimmense value in continuing

education and strives to offer flexible,accessible, and innovative learningexperiences to meet the needs of a uniqueand evolving student population. In orderto meet the professional development andlearning needs of these individualsemployed in the marine and technologysectors, the development of innovativegraduate programs is a key element.

In collaboration with the Faculty ofBusiness Administration, MI is set toestablish two specialized Masters programs– Master of Maritime Management andMaster of Technology Management, whichwill provide those in the marine andtechnology sectors with professionaldevelopment opportunities to facilitateadvancement in management positions. Allcourses within the programs will be offeredfully online, attracting students from aglobal market and addressing the needs ofthis unique professional population.

Both programs will provide an

understanding of the structure andoperation of organizations and the factorsthat influence business decisions in thecontext of marine and technology basedorganizations. There will be a managementfocus through the development ofknowledge and understanding of thenature of marine and technologyoperations and the factors that have animpact on their success, as well as theability to apply these concepts within theirorganizations. Elective courses will enablestudents to focus on particular aspects ofmaritime or technology management mostapplicable to their situation and interests.

Dr. Peter Fisher, head of the MarineInstitute’s Division of Academic andStudent Affairs, explains that these newprograms will be of significant benefit, interms of career progression, to individualsworking in the marine and technologysectors. “We launched the Bachelor ofMaritime Studies and Bachelor ofTechnology programs to provideindividuals who had followed a technicalpost-secondary education with the

opportunity to earn a degree, to advance intheir chosen field. The introduction ofthese new masters programs is a naturalextension of that process.”

“The fact that the courses are offeredonline allows students who are continuingto work and who live at a distance from theinstitute to complete the program. Thisalso enables us to offer the programs tograduate students from other institutionsaround the world.”

Upon completion of the programs,graduates will possess the knowledge andskills required for progression inmanagement positions in the marine andtechnology sectors and may choose tocontinue their studies in the Faculty ofBusiness Administration MBA program.

The program is open to those who have aBachelor of Maritime Studies, Bachelor ofTechnology, or other undergraduate degreeand who will normally have anundergraduate GPA acceptable to theSchool of Graduate Studies. ~

| 4 |TTHHEE BBRRIIDDGGEE:: NEWS FROM THE MARINE INSTITUTEWWIINNTTEERR 22000099

The Marine Institute is pleased to welcomeJillian Kavanagh to the position of

planning analyst. Jillian graduated fromMemorial in 2004 with a Bachelor of Sciencedegree in biochemistry and went on tocomplete her MBA in 2007. Prior to joiningMI’s Marketing and Business DevelopmentDepartment, Jillian worked with StrategicDirections Inc., a consulting firm in St. John’s.

MI welcomes Dawn Roche as publisher ofThe Journal of Ocean Technology with the Schoolof Ocean Technology (SOT). Dawn is nostranger to the publishing world as she was theeditor of Luminus Magazine prior to joining theSOT. She also worked as a book publisher forCreative Book Publishing. Dawn’s work hasalso taken her to the Middle East where sheedited a monthly magazine, Qatar Happenings

and worked for the Government of Qatar’sTourism Authority, researching and writing allEnglish-language tourism materials.

Ilya Savinov, who once roamed the halls ofMI as a naval architect student, returns to theCentre for Marine Simulation (CMS) as a navalarchitect/numerical modeller. Born in Latvia,Ilya came to Canada 10 years ago to further hiseducation. He obtained a Technician Diploma inComputer Programming from George BrownCollege in Toronto, Technology Diploma inNaval Architecture from the Marine Instituteand went on to complete his Bachelor ofTechnology degree. Ilya comes to MI with solidexperience from S.H.M Marine International, aNaval Architecture/Marine EngineeringCompany in Victoria, British Columbia wherehe worked as a junior naval architect. ~

Crystal-Lynn GormanStudent Recruitment,

word processing equipment operator I-----------------------------------------------

Shawn BishopStudent Recruitment,

junior recruitment officer-----------------------------------------------

Rhonda PittmanDivision of Academic and Student Affairs,

student liaison officer-----------------------------------------------

Jennifer SeemanLibrary,

library technician I-----------------------------------------------

Kieley BestCASD,

technical assistant-----------------------------------------------

Phil KirbyComputer Services,

manager-----------------------------------------------

Michael QuintonComputer Services,programmer analyst

----------------------------------------------- Trevor Kearsey

Marketing and Business Development,web editor

----------------------------------------------- Jim Strickland

School of Fisheries, instructor-----------------------------------------------

Ian O’BrienSchool of Maritime Studies, instructor-----------------------------------------------

Fabian LambertSchool of Maritime Studies, instructor-----------------------------------------------

Ali CheridSchool of Ocean Technology, instructor

----------------------------------------------- Paul Elliott

School of Ocean Technology, instructor-----------------------------------------------

Dale TempleSchool of Ocean Technology, instructor

-----------------------------------------------Saradha Venkatraman

School of Ocean Technology, instructor-----------------------------------------------

Kelly WatersSchool of Ocean Technology,marine electronics technologist

-----------------------------------------------Melanie Smith

Marketing and Business Development,graphic designer

-----------------------------------------------

MMaarriinnee IInnssttiittuuttee aallssoo wweellccoommeess::

Dawn Roche

Ilya Savinov

Jillian Kavanagh

The Seven Summits, Kilimanjaro, Denali,Elbrus, Aconcagua, Carstensz Pyramid,

Vinson and Everest, are the highest mountains ofeach of the seven continents. Summiting all ofthem is regarded as a mountaineering challengeand Jean-Paul Richard is up to the task.

Leading Seaman (LS) Richard, navy student at theMarine Institute and an outdoor enthusiast, plansto conquer each summit one by one, withAconcagua in South America being the first.

On Dec. 13, LS Richard headed to South Americato take on the highest peak of the Andes andSouth America, and the highest point outside ofAsia at 22,841 feet (6,962 m) high. His groupbegan the trek on Dec. 15, unfortunately, LSRichard began experiencing symptoms of highaltitude cerebral edema (HACE). HACE is asevere form of and sometimes fatal altitudesickness. Immediate descent is a neccessary life-saving measure so LS Richard had to return tobase camp on Christmas Day to recover. Despitethis set back, he is more determined than ever toachieve his goal. “I am going back there nextChristmas to try again,” said LS Richard. “Thisminor glitch only motivates me even more.”

Why take on such a feat? LS Richard explains hispurpose for the climb was two-fold. “Everyonehas goals that they set for themselves in life andmine have always been physical,” he said. “Iwanted to extend this physical challenge to myselfbut at the same time, I wanted to raise awarenessof and promote the Soldier On program.”

The Soldier On program was created in 2007 incollaboration with the Canadian ParalympicCommittee. It contributes to optimizing thefunctional independence of injured soldiers bydelivering services that support their full and activeparticipation in physical activities, recreation orsport. The program promotes and supports thereturn to military service and is accomplishedthrough close working relations with theDepartment of National Defense and theCanadian Forces.

“The Soldier On program hits close to home forme, being involved in the military and havingserved overseas on missions,” said LS Richard. “Ifirmly believe that physical activity is one of thefirst steps in rehabilitating people. This programgets them focusing on what they can do, instead ofwhat they can’t. This climb was intended to inspire

others to become more physically active while atthe same time bring some much deserved attentionto this great program.”

LS Richard is no stranger to testing his limits. Aself-proclaimed physical activity junkie, heregularly rock-climbs, mountain bikes, hikes, andtrail runs. “I will be ready to tackle this mountainagain.”

As he gears up to tackle the next summit LSRichard offers some advice to anyone who believesthat conquering mountains is out of their reach.“How do you know if you never try? Everyone haslimitations but the key is to overcome them andrealize that you can do anything you put your mindtoo. Challenge yourself and I’m sure you’ll besurprised with the outcome.”

“That’s the message I want to convey. You have tosay ‘I will do that’, not ‘I want to do that’ andwhatever your Everest may be, you can conquerit.”

To find out more or to donate, visitwww.cfsoldieron.ca ~


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The Marine Institute entered into a newstrategic alliance with the IndependentFood Quality Consultants (IFQC) inIreland. IFQC and Marine Institute willco-market and deliver SeafoodCertification Services to the NorthAmerican Seafood Sector. MI was alsonamed as the trustee of IFQC’s EcoLabel for farmed salmon in February2008.

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The Marine Institute has launched a newROV Program for high school graduates.This two year program is designedspecifically for high school graduates whowant a career that combines engineering,technology, computer and science skills inan oceans environment. Students will betrained in ROV piloting, hydraulics,electronics, electrical, underwaternavigation, ROV launch and recoveryoperations and workplace safety. Theywill also experience live field training,simulated exercises in specialized ROVfacilities, classroom instruction and awork term with industry. This program isthe only one of its kind offered in Canadaat a post-secondary institution.

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MI’s Centre for Sustainable AquaticResources (CSAR) celebrated its 20thanniversary this past summer. MIcongratulates all of our former and

current employees for their tremendouswork as we mark the 20th anniversary ofour contribution to fisheries educationand research.

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Dr. George Rose, a professor and head ofFisheries Conservation with the MarineInstitute, was one of the 2,500 scientistsof the Intergovernmental Panel onClimate Change (IPCC) awarded theNobel Peace Prize. Dr. Rose was acontributing author for chapter 15, “PolarRegions (Arctic and Antarctic)” of theIPCC report entitled, “Climate Change2007: Impacts, Adaptation andVulnerability.”

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The SERT Centre, along with theStephenville Fire Department, raised over$2,500 for Daffodil Place during theTypically Canadian Bike Tour. The moneywas raised by hosting a car wash and bootdrive and was collected in under threehours. Also, staff and students from theSERT Centre, as well as the town firechief, rode their bikes from Stephenvilleto the Trans Canada Highway and back toshow their support.

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2008 marks the 10th Anniversary of thefirst graduate of the Bachelor ofTechnology Program and the

convocation of its first graduate. Sincethen, over 750 students have graduatedfrom the program which has provided theopportunity for large numbers oftechnology diploma graduates from theMarine Institute, the College of theNorth Atlantic and other Canadiancolleges and institutes to earn a relevantuniversity degree.

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The 2008 Canadian Association ofCollege and University Student Services(CACUSS) Conference reception held atMI in June was the largest event of itsnature hosted by MI. It was a tremendoussuccess, providing a Newfoundland andLabrador themed buffet and beverageservice to 625 delegates.

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In July, the School of Maritime Studieswelcomed educators and researchersfrom around the world to explore theimpact of simulation training andresearch on the marine transportationindustry for the 15th InternationalNavigation Simulator Lecturers’Conference (INSLC). This was only thesecond time Canada has hosted the bi-annual conference since its first meetingin 1980. The 2008 conference includedrepresentatives from maritime universitiesin Australia, Canada, China, Denmark,Germany, Ireland, The Netherlands andthe United States.

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The Marine Institute attended the firstannual North Atlantic Fish and WorkboatShow at St. John’s Mile One Stadium onNov. 21-22, 2008. Hundreds of attendeesvisited MI’s booth as staff members talkedto commercial fishers and professionalsabout training and applied researchsolutions for the fish harvesting,aquaculture and processing sectors.Attendees also had the opportunity toexperience how a trawl “flies” in MI’s modelflume tank and learn the latest in fishingvessel stability with its E-simulator. Earlierin the year, the flume tank was also a uniqueattraction at the Working WaterfrontFestival in New Bedford, Massachusetts.

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Faculty members at the Offshore Safety andSurvival Centre (OSSC) recently lent theirexpertise to national and internationalconferences. Graham Small presented onSurvivor rescue with application to theGrand Banks to the Canadian Risks andHazards conference, James Boonepresented on Cold water survival andthermal properties of life rafts to theInternational Association for Safety andSurvival Training and Rob Brown presentedon Lessons learned in survivor rescue to theInternational Association for Safety andSurvival Training.

The OSSC is also currently engaged in aproject, in partnership with the NationalResearch Council Canada Institute forOcean Technology (NRC-IOT), regardingthe thermal properties of lifeboats.

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Angie Clarke, placement officer with theMarine Institute was recently selected bythe Student Affairs and ServicesAssociation (SASA) as the winner of the2008 New and Emerging ProfessionalsAward. The official announcement wasmade at the annual Canadian Association ofCollege and University Student Services(CACUSS) Conference held at MemorialUniversity in St. John’s from June 22-25.

The new award won by Ms. Clarkeencourages a professional who has beenworking in student affairs/services less thanfive years and acknowledges outstandingpotential, while rewarding service andleadership in the profession early in one’scareer. The recognition consists of acommemorative plaque and a cash award.

This is the second award for the institute’sStudent Affairs Office in recent years. In2007, the MI’s guidance/student affairsofficer, Gary Green, was honoured with thePresident’s Award of Exemplary Service.

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The Certification Board of the AmericanSociety for Quality recently announced thatKim Snelgrove, quality supervisor with theCentre for Aquaculture and SeafoodDevelopment (CASD), had completed therequirements to be named an ASQ-Certified Hazard Analysis and Critical

Control Point (HACCP) Auditor. As aresult of this new accreditation, Kim hasreached a significant level of professionalrecognition, indicating a proficiency in anda comprehension of auditing tools andtechniques that support a Hazard Analysisand Critical Control Point (HACCP)system. Individuals who earn thiscertification are allowed to use “ASQ CHA”on their business cards and professionalcorrespondence.

Kim has been working as a qualitysupervisor with CASD since April 3, 2006and is a graduate of the Advanced Diplomain Food Safety program. As the qualitysupervisor, Kim is responsible for ensuringCASD is in compliance with MI’s ISO 9001quality system, the centre’s food safety plan,and the Canadian Food InspectionAgency’s regulatory requirements for theproduction of seafood and processed fruitand vegetable products.

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MI’s Annual Review 2007-08 is now online!Check it out at www.mi.mun.ca

Faculty members often findthemselves gazing out at a sea of

faces and wondering … “Is this stuffsinking in?” A new technology gainingpopularity at the Marine Institute helpsanswer that question before final examssettle the matter for good.

Known as personal response systems, or“clicker” technology, the devices allowinstructors to get a quick read on whatstudents understand and what topicsmight need further review. The hand-held device uses radio frequency to

transmit student responses to multiplechoice, true/false, numeric, survey andshort answer questions to a wirelessreceiving device on the instructor’scomputer. When questions are posed tostudents, the results are then formattedinto digital graphics that are integratedinto PowerPoint presentations sharedwith the classroom.

The School of Maritime studies at theinstitute began piloting the newtechnology this fall. Instructor ShellyCurtis is using it in all her first-year

classes and feels it gives her a greatindication of the students understandingof classroom material.

“The results and feedback areimmediate,” said Ms. Curtis. “I cangauge right away whether or not thestudents understood the lecture materialand if not, I can go back and review itagain. If several students are respondingincorrectly, I can go back and reinforcethose concepts.”

“I have also been incorporating it into the


classroom in different formats, andusing features such as assigninghomework on clickers to make itexciting for the students and thuskeeping them more engaged.”

Trying to introduce the new “clickers”was not without hiccups however. “Thefirst week was difficult,” added Ms.Curtis “The students had to learn howto use the clickers and when you aredealing with new technology, there arealways bugs that need to be worked out.Now that the students are more familiarwith the process, the clicker sessions aregoing much more smoothly.”

Ms. Curtis is also very impressed withthe increased level of studentparticipation in class and credits theanonymous response feature of theprogram. “When you ask for a show ofhands in response to a question, manystudents refrain from doing so. Thistechnology allows everyone to getinvolved. I’ve also noticed that students

are coming to class much moreprepared and tend to get quite upsetwith themselves when they answerincorrectly.”

Her students are also seeing thebenefits of this new teaching method.

“When I first heard we had to useclickers I was not a fan,” said KatieSeaward, marine engineering systemsdesign student. “I thought it waspointless because we could just write iton paper and hand it in. But after usingit in class, I really like it because it’sjust like a quiz but you get to see yourmark immediately. It’s helpful becauseit gives you an indication of what youdon’t know about the course materialand helps to enhance learning.”

While it’s unclear how widespread“clicker” usage will be at MI, manyother instructors at the institute haveexpressed interest in learning moreabout them and their benefits. This

past summer, Ms. Curtis conducted asession for all instructors with theSchool of Maritime Studies on clickersand their usage and the feedback wasvery positive.

“Since all the first year students nowown a clicker, it is something they canuse throughout their entire programand in all their courses.”

While not all students have embraced“clickers” into their academic routine,the general consensus is that they are agreat, new, innovative approach tolearning.

“There are always a few students thattend to fall behind early in a semester.Because these students don’t seek outimmediate help, unfortunately it isoften not discovered until it’s too late,”explains Ms. Curtis. “This new clickertechnology will certainly help toprevent and assist with this in a bigway.” ~


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”

The Marine Institute continues tocollaborate and build on their

partnership with the University of RhodeIsland (URI) and this past summer MI’svessel MV Anne S. Pierce worked with URI’sresearch vessel, the R/V Endeavor to explorefor shipwrecks and study unique geology offthe coast of the province.

During a week-long expedition in July,researchers from both universities workedonboard to collect data along the southwesttip of the Grand Banks and in Placentia Bay.Using an autonomous underwater vehicle(AUV) and remotely operated vehicles(ROVs), researchers conducted side-sonarand sub-bottom scans to map the seafloorand studied the unique geology of thesoutheast coast. The team identified anumber of sonar targets of interest tomarine geologists and archeologists on thecruise, including five possible shipwrecks. InPlacentia Bay, the Endeavor rendezvousedwith the MV Anne S. Pierce, to study the deepcoral communities in the area.

“This project offers the Marine Institute anopportunity to showcase its uniquecapabilities in applied research andeducational programs for the oceans sectors,especially in the field of remotely operatedvehicles,” said Glenn Blackwood, executivedirector for the Marine Institute. “We areproud to collaborate with the University ofRhode Island once again and share ourrespective expertise.”

The expedition was made possible by aninvestment of $250,000 from theDepartment of Innovation, Trade and RuralDevelopment, to explore the maritimecultural landscapes of Placentia Bay and theGrand Banks and provide a betterunderstanding of fishing, history,environmental change, navigation, trade andcommunications in the region.

Visitors to the Marine Institute website wereable the follow the mission by viewing livevideos from the Endeavor’s control room andROV cameras and reading the researchers’daily mission logs.

“The visit of the Endeavor highlights thestrong relationship we have built with theUniversity of Rhode Island through ourMOU,” added Mr. Blackwood. “The supportof the provincial government through theDepartment of Innovation Trade and RuralDevelopment has been instrumental inbuilding our connections to URI and ourcollaborations have been an enormoussuccess. Together we are building on ourrespective capabilities and furthering ouropportunities.”

This expedition represents one of the manyjoint initiatives resulting from the MarineInstitute’s partnership with URI. In June,world renowned explorer, Dr. Bob Ballardvisited the Marine Institute to officially openthe institute’s new Immersion PresentsTheatre, the only one of its kind in Canada.Immersion Presents offers students theopportunity to explore the advancedtechnologies being used in ocean activitiesand showcase the career opportunities thatthese technologies can afford them. ~



The word skyscraper evokes images of tallbuildings in Manhattan but did you know

the word traditionally referred to the topsail ofa ship?

It’s appropriate, then, that an engineering firmcalled on the research team at the MarineInstitute’s Centre for Marine Simulation(CMS) to use their ship bridge simulator toconduct motion testing for super tall buildingssuch as the Chicago Spire, a skyscraper underconstruction in Illinois’ largest city.

RWDI Group/Motioneering, a companyspecializing in the design, development andmonitoring of motion solutions for a widerange of structural applications, contacted MIlast fall to inquire if the bridge simulator couldbe used to test wind speeds on skyscrapers.The Chicago Spire project was their firstventure together. The objective of this projectwas to test the motion of this newly designedbuilding at various wind speeds, which wouldhelp address a number of challenges includingmotion sickness and fear of movement atgreat heights. The project was met with greatsuccess, which has created a buddingrelationship between CMS and Motioneering,who have since partnered on another motionstudy for a proposed building in London, UK.

Still, the question remains, why use a shipbridge simulator to test a skyscraper? MariaHalfyard, manager, Applied Research andIndustrial Projects at CMS, explains. “Byusing the centre’s full mission bridgesimulator, it enables Motioneering tophysically experience the sway motion of thebuilding in a wind tunnel test withoutactually being in the finished structure,” shesaid. “The full mission bridge simulatordisplays a realistic 360 degree visual of thespecified skyline and produces simulatedwind conditions that create a virtualenvironment of the actual skyscraper. Thefact that Motioneering can now translatenumbers to actual motion is very significant,especially to their clients.”

Peter Irwin, president of RWDI has beenvery pleased with the results of the ChicagoSpire project, as well as the facilities at CMS.“Because of the design of the building, wewere predicting a different type of windresponse. The building will not only swayfrom side to side but will also bend in themiddle. Since we have only seen the simpleswaying motion in the past, we were notexactly clear on how the double motionwould affect the structure. Fortunately forus, CMS was able to simulate that using real

motion and we were able to get the data weneeded to find a solution. The simulationcapabilities at CMS are truly impressive.”

RWDI were so impressed that they returnedto the institute last fall to participate in abuilding motion workshop with a selectgroup of some of the top high-risestructural engineering firms in the world.

The participants examined scenarios, placingthem in context with commonly usedmotion criteria and design guidelines usedtoday. Experts from RWDI Group/Motioneering and the Marine Institute alsopresented on wind engineering, humankinetics and the physiology of motionperception.

These projects are certainly a departure forCMS, as they are well known for theirsimulation-based training and appliedresearch services in ship navigation, marineengineering and ship communications. “It’sgreat that we are bringing new ideas andprojects to the simulator,” said Ms.Halfyard. “We continue to do a lot ofresearch and development at CMS and theseprojects are a testimony to our technologicaltransferability.” ~

The Marine Institute is well known for fosteringproductive relationships between researchers andlocal companies to develop and commercialize newocean technology innovations. Our people

contribute meaningful solutions to our clientsthrough communication, collaboration and use

of our world-class facilities.

MI is taking that commitment to a newlevel with the establishment of an

Office of Research andDevelopment, headed by Ron

Newhook, former president ofthe Canadian Centre for

Marine Communications(CCMC). As director and

member of MI’sexecutive committee,

Mr. Newhook willc o o r d i n a t e

research anddevelopment activities

across the institute andsecure investment for new

research, personnel, facilitiesand equipment to advance our

capacity and expertise in oceansresearch and development.

Through strengthening existingcollaborations and by building new

partnerships the office will reinforce thefoundation that supports the institute’s vision

to be a world oceans institute – a leader in theglobal ocean economy.

“The Marine Institute has been undertakingapplied research and development since it wasestablished,” said Mr. Newhook. “To this point wehave been mostly reactive in responding to specificresearch needs. This new office will allow us toevaluate what is happening within the marinecommunity, identify key areas of interest andposition MI as the driver for research anddevelopment requirements within the ocean sectorhere at home and around the world.”

The preliminary goals and objectives of the office

will be to outline and define a clear, dynamicresearch and development strategy and implementan action plan to grow research and developmentactivity and capacity. This will be accomplishedthrough consultation with both internal andexternal stakeholders. “We have to engage MIprofessionals within the various research centres,the broader Memorial research community as wellas industry, government and other educationalinstitutions,” added Mr. Newhook. “We need towork more closely together for maximum collectivebenefit.”

These benefits include: building on the strongcorps of highly qualified people (HQP) in appliedmarine research and development at MI; attractingnew researchers with complementary interests andskills; attracting students who want to study underthese HQPs and who, as trained professionals,respond to the needs of industry and the researchcommunity; expansion of research anddevelopment infrastructure and; increased fundingfrom various sources such as industry, grantingcouncils and government programs.

“We really need to reinforce the unique nature ofthe research and development undertaken at MIand the value of the technologists and technologiesthat it produces through its training programs andinitiatives,” added Mr. Newhook. “We also need tocontinue to foster partnerships such as the one wehave with the Atlantic Canada OpportunitiesAgency. ACOA has provided the institute withsignificant funding over the years to help grow ourcapabilities and we look forward to working withthem and other partners to ensure that ourstrengths are utilized to achieve ground-breaking,innovative advancements.”

Such unique research initiatives include projectslike SmartBay. The SmartBay project began as atechnology demonstration project in Placentia Bayin 2005 with the goal of creating awareness of theimportance of better observing the marineenvironment.

The project provides a fully-operationalinformation service for improved weather

forecasting, environmental monitoring, and shipnavigation and will help to ensure that the bay’secosystem is protected. With this technologySmartBay will provide better information leading tobetter decision-making.

The project is representative of the collaborativeapproach that is being taken to grow the localocean technology community from a $250 millionindustry to a $1 billion industry by 2015.

Other research centres at the Marine Institute arealso currently engaged in exciting projects. TheCentre for Marine Simulation (CMS) has beenworking with Defence Research and DevelopmentCanada (DRDC) to study motion sickness (MS)and its effects on task completion. Findings fromthis research will likely lead to insights about themechanisms that mediate motion sickness severityand will generate guidance to better inform thosewho operate or train personnel who operate in coldand motion-rich environments.

MI’s Offshore Safety and Survival Centre researchunit conducts research aimed at improving thesafety of those who work and travel on the ocean.Recently, the centre was engaged in a collaborativeproject with the National Research Council ofCanada’s Institute for Ocean Technology (NRC-IOT), Helly Hansen and DRDC to assess thethermal protection and microclimate in totallyenclosed lifeboats. This project is funded byTransport Canada and will attempt to addresscurrent shortcomings in international regulations.This group of collaborators has successfullyworked together on other related projects and hasproposed a study to the SAR New Initiatives Fundthat will result in improved chances of survival forthose who may be involved in a mass evacuation inthe Arctic.

“The Marine Institute, in collaboration with theocean community in the province, is now poised tobecome a world leader in ocean technology andresearch and the new office of research anddevelopment will help strengthen our capacity andcapture the invaluable opportunities presented tous by the world’s oceans.”~


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Newfoundland and Labrador’s history issteeped in the traditional cod fishery

and the Marine Institute’s Centre forSustainable Aquatic Resources (CSAR) isnow working to modernize that time-honored tradition.

In partnership with the provincialDepartment of Fisheries and Aquaculture(DFA), Canadian Centre for FisheriesInnovation (CCFI), Fisheries and OceansCanada (DFO), and the Fish Food andAllied Workers (FFAW), CSAR has beenworking to develop a baited cod pot fisherythroughout the province.

Baited pots catch and hold live cod untilthey are hauled to the surface. They areconsidered a more sustainable harvestingapproach because they land high quality fishproducts while at the same time reducediscard mortality, spoilage, and ghost-fishing.

Philip Walsh, a fishing gear technologist withCSAR, has designed and tested severalexperimental designs of baited pots duringthe past three to four years. “Our best designis known as the Circle 6. Catches havereached as high as 350 pounds from one

pot. Last fall, a harvester in Bonavistacaptured over 1,000 pounds from eight potsand a harvester on Random Island capturedapproximately 750 pounds from five pots,”he said.

In the fall of 2008, cod potting wasevaluated in the Fogo Island region for thefirst time. The project was unique in that itwas designed to provide high quality coddirectly to a local restaurant in partnershipwith the Shorefast Foundation and FogoIsland Co-op. As part of the project, a localharvester, Jim Nippard, used his commercialquota during the stewardship fishery. Hefished eight pots and followed strict

guidelines to achieve the highest possiblequality of fish. The cod was processed bythe Fogo Island Co-op and the harvesterreceived a financial incentive for the effort.

The provincial government providedapproximately $10,000 to support theproject. “This project is an excellentopportunity to pursue options for producinga higher quality cod product,” said theHonourable Trevor Taylor, former actingMinister of Fisheries and Aquaculture. “It isalso an opportunity to achieve higher pricesfor harvesters while at the same timepursuing a more environmentally friendlyform of fishing. For these reasons, ourgovernment was pleased to support thisproject.”

Dr. Paul Winger, director of CSAR, ishopeful that the project will act as a modelfor other communities. “With the exceptionof hand lining, few gears can produce thequality of fish captured live using baitedpots,” he said. “The approach is growinginternationally, including similar initiatives inthe U.S.A, Faroe Islands, Norway, Sweden,and France. Not surprising, Newfoundlandis leading the charge in this innovative fieldof research,” added Dr. Winger. ~

Rennie Sullivan, technician, CSAR

STUDENT CONNECTION


Like most high school students, I really hadno idea what I wanted to be when I grew

up. I always had a connection to the ocean andgrowing up in the small fishing community ofOld Perlican, I was introduced to the sea at avery early age. I was also involved with seacadets for six years which introduced me tochart work and different sea phases. Myguidance councilor at the time recommended acareer at the Marine Institute. After researchingthe opportunities, I soon realized that a careeron the water was right for me. When Igraduated from Baccalieu Collegiate, I decidedto try out my sea legs and enrolled in theNautical Science Program at MI. I plan to workup through the ranks of a ships officer andeventually get my captain’s ticket.

When I graduate from the program next year, Iwill hold an Officer of the Watch Certificate.

This means that I am qualified as navigatingofficer and am given the responsibility for thenavigational watch of a ship. Sound exciting?Well it is. And the best part is that I amguaranteed a job when I graduate. The demandfor Nautical Science graduates is going todramatically increase over the next couple years.By the year 2015, a shortage of 27,000 ships’officers is predicted. So there is no better timeto get enrolled in Nautical Science at the MarineInstitute. What other job out there allows youto work anywhere in the world, live at home oranywhere else you choose, and have anexcellent income.

And what better place to prepare for this careerthan at a world-renowned oceans institute. TheMarine Institute is a globally known institutionand recognized worldwide. The small class sizesallow for a personal relationship with the

instructors. This allows each student toapproach the instructor ‘one on one’ and getthe academic help or advice they need. Eachinstructor has come directly from the marineindustry and they have the direct experience toteach us what we need to know to be fullyprepared to go out in the industry, equippedwith a confident attitude and the skillsnecessary to excel as leaders in our chosen field.

During my 12 month on the job training, I wasemployed with Groupe Desgagnes andCanship Ugland. I have been at sea for a totalof 12 months, but in that short time I havebeen to many parts of Newfoundland andLabrador, the United States, Nova Scotia, NewBrunswick, Quebec, and the Arctic. Theopportunities in the marine industry areendless and the future has never looked sobright. ~

By Brent MansfieldThird 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.

| 17 | TTHHEE BBRRIIDDGGEE:: NEWS FROM THE MARINE INSTITUTE

Vietnam has one of the most rapidlygrowing economies in Southeast Asia.

Aquaculture is one of the three leadingsectors, with exports exceeding 1 milliontons of products after only a decade ofgrowth. Production consists of variousfreshwater and marine shrimps (Penaeus sp.,Macrobrachium sp.) and several types ofVietnamese catfish called tra or basa(Pangasius sp.).

One of the poorest regions in Vietnam, TraVinh Province in the south, also has aburgeoning aquaculture industry, composedof small, family-owned and operated farms.The average income from fish farming isless than $50 per month for farm workers,and in spite of the relatively low cost ofliving index, it remains one of the poorestregions of Vietnam, and indeed the world.

The Tra Vinh Improved LivelihoodsProject (TVILP), supported by theCanadian International DevelopmentAgency (CIDA) and the Vietnamesegovernment, is aimed at reducing poverty inthe region, focusing on the primary ruralcommodity sectors in agriculture andaquaculture, where the need for raising thelevel of income of the poor is the greatest.The Marine Institute is one of severalproject partners delivering the project.

The Vietnamese have identified the need toorganize various commodity groups intoproducer associations to develop improvedbusiness and social policies andprogramming for their members, and toprovide a forum for exchange of bestoperating practices. The Vietnamese havelittle experience in organizing suchassociations, so the assistance and advicefrom Canadian expertise was requested toevaluate possible models forimplementation in Tra Vinh and to provideassistance in establishing effective producer

associations. Given my long timeexperience as a member and director ofseveral aquaculture associations acrossCanada (e.g., AANS, NAIA, CAIA, AAC), Iwas asked to undertake SWOT analysis withsmall industry members in Tra Vinh anddevelop an implementation plan to establishtwo associations, one for aquacultureproducers, and a second for small businessoperators. The support and guidance ofCIDA and the Vietnamese people wascritical in ensuring the success of this phaseof the project.

The current difficulties in the global economymake the implementation of an aquacultureproducers association even more urgent todeal with grassroots level issues regardingproduction best practices, access to marketinformation, technology transfer initiativesand the like. The local Peoples Committee hasaccepted our recommendations and plan for asmall producers association and the next stepsare to establish the association in its fullness,recruit members and bring them together for apolicy meeting, recruit staff (managingdirector and others), seek financial supportand put in place a three-year strategicoperations plan. This will likely require areturn visit or two and a time commitment inthe very near future by Canadian expertise toinitiate these activities. I am hopeful we will begiven the opportunity to assist once again inthis important and interesting part of theworld.

I have had the opportunity to meet with bothsmall and large farming and processingoperators in Tra Vinh, and it is uncanny howmany of the constraints faced by theseproducers are similar to our own in Canadai.e., access to capital, access to sites, access togood seed stock, feed, internal pricecompetition, complicated regulatory and taxregimes, and the list goes on.......the newassociation will have its work cut out for it! ~

The Marine Institute provides expertise forVIETNAMESE AQUACULTURE PRODUCERS

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Flashover is probably the most dangerousstage of fire development. It can trap,

seriously injure, and even kill a firefighter thatfails to recognize the signs before it actuallydevelops. Flashover typically catchesfirefighters off guard because it developsrapidly with little warning. The MarineInstitute’s Safety and Emergency ResponseTraining (SERT) Centre is trying to preventthis by preparing trainees to recognize andrespond to flashover fires.

This past fall, the SERT Centre acquired a newflashover recognition trainer, the first of itskind in the province. The new simulator willrecreate conditions that may lead to a flashoverfire in a safe environment thus allowingstudents to train for the situation. It will teachthem to recognize the signs of a flashover andget out before it ignites.

Craig Harnum, the SERT Centre’s operationsmanager, is thrilled to have this new piece ofequipment available to students. “We aim tooffer world-class firefighting training to ourstudents and in order to do this, you needworld-class equipment,” said Mr. Harnum.“This new simulator will greatly enhance thetraining program and benefit all firefightingpersonnel who wish to enhance their skills andimprove their chances of survival during aflashover.”

And the key to surviving a flashover fire ispreparation. This new simulator will teachstudents to recognize the tell-tale signs that“announce” the possibility of a forthcomingflashover and prepare a plan of attack.

Mr. Harnum goes on to explain that becausethe risks associated with flashover are so high,understanding what a flashover is and thediverse variations which can occur is integral incompetent flashover training. “Knowing thedifferences between flashover and backdraftand recognizing and addressing the numerouswarning signs that indicate a possible flashoverbefore it happens, is extremely important,”added Mr. Harnum. “The students need to relyon visual cues for this and that’s where thesimulator comes in.”Students need to rely onthese visual cues due to the fact that bunkergear has become so advanced that firefighterscannot feel heat. These cues include thick darksmoke, high heat, rollover and free burning.

Trainees go through in-class training sessions toeducate and familiarize themselves aboutflashover fires, and then the training simulatoris used for the more hands-on experience.

This new simulator technology is currentlybeing used throughout Canada andthe United States, including theNew York City FireDepartment. ~


At first glance, the Ukrainian coastlineseems beautifully majestic, pristine,

and unspoiled. The truth is environmentalissues along these shores have receivedlittle attention in the past. This has left aserious legacy of pollution in coastal andinternal waterways, which has adverselyaffected the ocean environment.

Attention to the environment is now amajor concern for the Ukraine in terms ofboth enhancement and protection.

Natasha Gruzdyeva, an Integrated andCoastal Ocean Management (ICOM)student at the Marine Institute, hastraveled a long way from her home inOdessa to get the education and trainingnecessary to help bring much neededattention to these environmental issues inher home country.

“Unfortunately, we do not have aneffective coastal management program inthe Ukraine,” said Ms. Gruzdyeva. “We areat a stage now where our landscapes havebecome very vulnerable to impact fromeconomic activity and we really need toimprove and protect our coastlines.”

Ms. Gruzdyeva goes on to explain thatwhile many people are aware of andconcerned about the currentenvironmental conditions, it has not beena priority. “In my opinion, coastal

management plays a huge role in the futureof the Ukraine so I want to draw muchneeded attention to it.”

Her passion for the ocean andenvironment is what led her to make acareer change. “My background is as amarine engineer so when I decided to leavemy job with the cruise line, I saw this asthe perfect opportunity to turn myattention towards protecting andpreserving the unique natural resourcesand landscapes of my country.”

And the timing could not have been better.Her father, a dean and professor at amarine university in the Ukraine, was

participating in a faculty exchange with MIand found out about the AdvancedDiploma in Integrated and Coastal OceanManagement (ICOM) program. Hediscussed it with Natasha and withouthesitation, she began the applicationprocess.

“We have marine institutions in theUkraine but none of them offer integratedcoastal management programs,” she said.“I was so excited to learn that I had beenaccepted.”

Ms. Gruzdyeva began her program thispast September. She plans to graduate inthe fall of 2010, at which time she willreturn to the Ukraine with the things shehas learned and educate communities onthe implications of their choices,decisions and actions when dealing withcoastal zone related management issuesand activities.

“Effectively managing human pressure oncoastal resources is, and will continue tobe for the foreseeable future, a challengefor government, industry and peopleliving in these zones,” adds Ms.Gruzdyeva. “Appropriate policies, laws,regulations and institutions are needed toprotect coastal lands, watersheds,estuaries, reefs and other vital resources. Icannot do this alone but I hope to be acatalyst for this much needed change.”~

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The Eastern Edge Robotics team proved onceagain that they are the team to beat. The team,comprised of students from the MarineInstitute, the Faculty of Engineering andApplied Science, and the College of theNorth Atlantic, captured top honors, beatingout 25 teams in the Explorer (advanced level)class competition at the 2008 MATEInternational ROV Competition, held at theScripps Institution of Oceanography–University of California San Diego, from June26-28, 2008.

Besides taking top spot in overallperformance, the team placed first for theirengineering evaluation, technical report andmission performance.

The competition challenges high school andpost-secondary teams to design, build, andoperate a ROV to perform a series of taskslike those performed by an ROV in anindustrial setting.

More than 300 students, instructors, mentors,technical assistants, and industry professionalsparticipated in the event, which focused onhydrothermal vents, which are like hot springsin the seafloor, discharging continuousstreams of hot fluids from deep beneath theEarth’s crust into the surrounding cold oceanwater.

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Dr. Robert Ballard, known for discovering theTitanic among other scientific breakthroughs,officially open the institute’s new ImmersionPresents Theatre in June. The theatre, the firstof its kind in Canada, is part of an interactiveeducational program let by Dr. Ballard whichuses telepresence technology to allow studentsand researchers to view live ocean expeditionsby scientists from the University of RhodeIsland.

“We are thrilled to develop this partnershipbetween the Marine Institute of MemorialUniversity and the University of Rhode Islandto foster ocean exploration,” said Dr. Ballard.“Immersion Presents offers students theopportunity to explore the advancedtechnologies being used in ocean activities andshowcases the career opportunities that thesetechnologies afford them. It also shows kidsthat science is not only far from boring ornerdy, it is absolutely essential to preserve oneof our most threatened resources, theoceans.”

In March, the Marine Institute, in partnershipwith the Department of Innovation, Tradeand Rural Development and theNewfoundland and Labrador Science Centre,

hosted over 400 local elementary and juniorhigh students as they took part in ImmersionPresents Monterey Bay.

They experienced, in real time, an expeditionoff the coast of Monterey, California, wherethey studied endangered sea mammals like theCalifornia sea otter and the blue whale.

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As over 500 spectators cheered them on,students and staff from MI’s SERT Centrehad another impressive showing at the 2008Canadian Firefit Championship.

The event, touted as the toughest two minutesin sports, posed no problem for the SERTCentre’s own, Craig Harnum. Mr. Harnumcaptured gold in the over 40 event, and silverin the Chief ’s category. He also won a silvermedal in the Chief ’s division at the NationalFirefit Championships held in Quinte West,Ontario on Sept. 13-14. Staff members MikeShannahan and Chris Young also competedand achieved a personal best time.

The competition also saw two world recordsset, one in the Chiefs division and the other inthe NXG relay. Chief Jack Hickey set a worldrecord with a time of 1:34:66 and Halifaxfirefighters Joe Triff and Mike Sears, who areformer SERT students, set a world record inthe NXG race.

Congratulations to everyone!

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The Marine Institute’s Centre for MarineSimulation (CMS) was featured on “A”Channel’s The Life Changers. The LifeChangers is a documentary series of half hourprograms that feature cutting edge researchundertaken at Atlantic Canada’s universities.

Traveling to universities across the region, thisseries highlights extraordinary work,


NEWSMIIN THE

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groundbreaking research and AtlanticCanada’s most innovative thinkers who arecommitted to solving the greatest challengesof this new century.

Sailing the Virtual Sea, featuring CMS as themost comprehensive suite of marinesimulators in Canada aired on “A” Channel onSunday, Oct. 5, 2008.

The Discovery Channel’s Daily Planet alsocaught up with CMS, CSAR and the OSSCearlier this summer to learn more about theresearch and technology transfer the centersare bringing to the fishing, marinetransportation, offshore and engineeringindustries. Each centre was highlightedthroughout the fall in a five minute segmenton the popular primetime show.

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The Marine Institute is lending a hand to theStephan Hopkins Memorial Foundation. Thispast June, Glenn Blackwood announced thatthe institute will work in collaboration withthe foundation to provide equipment andtraining for the recovery of drowning victims.

On July 6, 2007, tragedy struck the Hopkins’family when Stephan Hopkins was involved ina canoeing accident on Little Bonne Baypond. It took 73 days for searchers to findStephan’s body. His body was recovered by acouple from the United States: Gene andSandy Ralston. They used a side scan sonarand a remotely operated vehicle (ROV)underwater camera. Within 29 minutes, theyfound his body.

To protect other families from the pain theHopkins’ family experienced in waiting solong to find their son’s body, a group ofvolunteers set up the Stephan HopkinsMemorial Foundation to raise funds topurchase the same equipment for the provinceof Newfoundland and Labrador.

In October, the foundation announced that ithad reached its goal. With the help ofsponsors from across the province, theStephan Hopkins Memorial Foundation wasable to raise the funds to allow them topurchase the necessary equipment to aidfamilies and organizations involved in searchand recovery efforts should the need arise.

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On April 24, 2008, the SERT Centre held aspecial graduation ceremony for the CanadianMilitary as 19 military personnel werepresented with Aircraft Rescue andFirefighting program certificates.

“It has been a great pleasure to deliverfirefighting and emergency response trainingto this first group of service personnel,” saidBob Rutherford, director, Offshore Safety andSurvival Centre. “The Safety and EmergencyResponse Training (SERT) Centre very muchappreciates the opportunity provided by theDepartment of National Defense and wehope that this is just the start of a long andsuccessful partnership. We would like to thankthe Town of Stephenville, the StephenvilleAirport Corporation, ACOA InnovativeCommunities Fund and the Department ofInnovation Trade and Rural Development fortheir support to this initiative.”

The SERT Centre opened its door to theDepartment of National Defense last fallwhen it introduced a new 30-week programconsisting of the basic firefighting modulesand the Aircraft Rescue and Firefightingprogram.

To date, 38 cadets have graduated from theprogram.

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The Marine Institute will establish a world-class marine base in Holyrood with the help ofmore than $1 million from the Governmentof Canada, made through the Atlantic CanadaOpportunities Agency (ACOA).

The funding was announced in Holyrood byformer Avalon MP Fabian Manning on Aug.19, 2008. Also on hand were GlennBlackwood, MI’s executive director, andCurtis Buckle, mayor of Holyrood.

The Marine Institute is one of the fewinstitutions in the world dedicated to a widescope of education, training and appliedresearch in support of the marine, industrialand oil and gas sectors and this marine basewill add to the institute’s existing centres ofocean research. It will provide training toindustry clients and support research related

to ocean technology, including marineenvironmental studies, marine ecotourism,diving and oil spill response.

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Fifty five Marine Institute students received$60,000 in scholarships at an eveningcelebration on Nov. 19, 2008 to recognizetheir commitment to pursuing their chosencareers in the oceans sector.

The annual Fall Scholarship and AwardsPresentation celebrates student academicexcellence and leadership skills and is madepossible through the generosity of local andnational businesses, organizations andindividuals.

Each year, the scholarship program at theMarine Institute continues to grow and thisyear was no exception. Newly addedscholarships include the Algoma CentralScholarship, the Canadian Association ofUniversity Women Scholarship, PanGeoSubsea Incorporate Scholarships, RobertGillespie Reid Scholarship and the Janet WarfMemorial Scholarships.

Dr. Darin King, parliamentary secretary to theMinister of Education, was on hand toaddress the award-winning students andpresent the Provincial Government’sCentenary Scholarships on behalf of MinisterBurke. Also addressing the students were Dr.Eddy Campbell, acting president, MemorialUniversity and Ms. Iris Petten, MarineInstitute’s Advisory Committee.

In total, 67 scholarships were awarded.


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Advancing education and applied research inCanada’s ocean technology sector is the

focus of a new collaboration between theMarine Institute and Camosun College, inVictoria, BC. Glenn Blackwood, executivedirector of the Marine Institute, and Dr. TomRoemer, dean of Camosun’s School of Tradesand Technology, exchanged a memorandum ofunderstanding to develop new joint initiatives inthe ocean technology field at the opening of theOcean Innovation Conference in St. John’s, NLin October, 2008.

“This collaboration brings tremendousopportunities to share and develop our mutualinterests in the ocean technology field for thebenefit of students, companies andresearchers,” said Mr. Blackwood. “Together,we will build our expertise and expand ourcapacity to serve the training and research needsof the ocean technology sector in Canada andinternationally.”

The Marine Institute and Camosun College areideally situated to develop new training andtechnology transfer initiatives for Canada’s eastand west coasts. The agreement allows botheducational institutions to explore student andfaculty exchanges, academic credit transfers andbridging opportunities between programs.

The two institutions will also focus on identifyingopportunities for joint applied research anddevelopment projects in ocean technology andinternational opportunities where the institutionsmay work together.

“Our oceans and ecosystems in peril call for atruly concerted effort at all levels. As Canada’scolleges and technical institutes have taken on the

roles of applied research and technology transferhubs, it is consequential that we forge strategicalliances,” said Dr. Roemer. “With respect toocean technology, we could not have hoped fora more suitable partner than the Marine Institute.This collaboration will indeed be ‘from sea tosea’.”

Located in Victoria, BC, Camosun College offersmore than 100 innovative programs includinguniversity transfer and applied degree programs;career and trades training; upgrading andpreparatory programs; and continuing educationto approximately 16,000 learners. Camosun is thelargest provider of engineering technologyprograms among BC colleges and hosts bridgingprograms from engineering technology diplomasto engineering degrees. The college has begun toestablish applied research and developmentactivity in the area of ocean technology andforge relationships with ocean technologydevelopers on Canada’s west coast.

Recently, Camosun College received a federalgrant to establish the Vancouver IslandAdvanced Manufacturing and Rapid PrototypingCentre, which will ultimately aid industry in thedevelopment of new ocean technologies.Camosun was also chosen as the site for nextyears’ Ocean Innovation Conference. ~

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For more than a decade, theMarine Institute has been

actively involved in education,training and technology transfer inChina.

Partnerships with Jilin and JiangnanUniversity continue to grow andMI’s faculty and staff continue toparticipate in trade and technologymissions as well as facultyexchanges throughout China.

The institute is now looking tocreate a partnership with DalianMaritime University.

Dalian Maritime University (DMU)is one of the largest and bestmaritime universities in China and isthe only key maritime institutionunder the Ministry ofCommunications, People’s Republicof China. DMU enjoys a highreputation internationally as anexcellent center of maritimeeducation and training asrecognized by the InternationalMaritime Organization.

Dr. Peter Fisher, head of theMarine Institute’s Division ofAcademic and Student Affairs,explains that after a number ofvisits to DMU, a relationship wasbuilt between himself and theinternational program officer.

“We were looking to expand ourChinese operations in the marinesector so on one of my visits toDMU, we began talking aboutopportunities in terms of jointprogramming, research activitiesand student and faculty exchanges,”said Dr. Fisher. “For joint initiativesto work, similar interests need to beidentified and explored. This led tothe idea of a visit from DMU’sfaculty members to the institute.”

Last October, three facultymembers, Dr. Yan Zhijun, a marineengineer and associate professor,Mr. Wei Yunyu, associate professor,and Mr. Wang Yue, a chief mateand instructor, arrived and will bespending a year improving theirEnglish proficiency, working withand learning from MI faculty andlearning about the institute’sprograms and research initiativesand capabilities.

“I expect that this will open upopportunities for collaboration inboth programming and researchbetween the two institutions,”added Dr. Fisher. “At the end ofthe day, they will provide a real linkbetween us and DMU that we canthen use to establish a partnershipthat is mutually beneficial for bothinstitutions.” ~

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The Marine Institute is pleased to announce atriumphant year for the sixth annual Ocean InnovationConference & Exhibition held at the St. John’sConvention Centre, Oct 19 - 22. The event, with 190delegates and exhibitors, hosted big names in the oceanobserving industry such as Lockheed Martin from theUnited States, as well as a strong contingent ofNewfoundland and Labrador and Canadian firms.Additionally, the conference’s first-rate programattracted speakers from as far away as Australia andJapan.

The theme, OOcceeaann OObbsseerrvviinngg SSyysstteemmss, represented an area ofinterest for all those connected to ocean exploitation,transportation and management.

One of the highlights of this year’s event was a publiclecture by Dr. John Delaney, a prominent oceanographerwith the University of Washington. The lecture,presented in partnership with the City of St. John’s,centered on Dr. Delaney’s ground breaking research onocean observations systems and the new technologiesbeing employed to study the ocean realm. GRISimulation also took part in this event, bringing a hands-on flavor with their remotely controlled equipment andproviding the public with a bird’s eye view of how we caninteract with the sea below.

In addition to the main event, a number of inboundmissions formed an important part of Ocean Innovation2008. In particular, special guests travelled from NewEngland and Ireland to take part in the conference. TheGovernment of Newfoundland and Labrador wasinstrumental in helping facilitate the participation of anumber of these key ocean technology buyers andcollaborators and the Honorable Trevor Taylor, formerMinister of Innovation, Trade and Rural Developmentwelcomed delegates at the opening ceremonies. OtherVIPs attending the event included St. John’s MayorDennis O’Keefe, Dr. Ralph Rayner, chair, GOOSScientific Steering Committee, Mr. Glenn Blackwood,executive director of the Marine Institute and Mr. MarkReichardt, president of the Open GeospatialConsortium.

Plans are currently underway for the 2009 and 2010Ocean Innovation Conferences. The Marine Institutewill take the 2009 show on the road to Victoria, BritishColumbia, where the conference will be hosted byCamosun College. Ocean Innovation returns to St.John’s for 2010. Keep your ear to the water…err groundfor updates posted on the event websitewww.oceaninnovation.ca. ~


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Other successful alumni............

Mr. Robert Butler........................................................................................................

.................................................. Laura Healy, Food Technology ’08, thisWitless Bay native decided that a career in foodtechnology was the right choice for her and shewas right! Since graduating from the MarineInstitute’s food technology program, Laura hasbeen working with Maple Leaf ConsumerFoods in Berwick, Nova Scotia as a productionmanagement trainee (PMT). Laura is alsoworking towards her Bachelor of Technologydegree at the institute.

Denise Legge, Bridge Watch ’08, heard aboutthe Bridge Watch program last year from afriend working in the Gulf of Mexico. Sheenrolled in the offering delivered in CornerBrook/St. John’s and upon completing theprogram was offered full-time employmentwith the Canadian Coast Guard. Denise iscurrently working on CCGS Cape Roger as aDeckhand.

Wayne F. Walsh, Diploma in MarineEngineering ’05, has been working with theIron Ore Company of Canada sincegraduation. He currently works as TeamLeader.

Raj Joshi, Nautical Science ’96, currentlyworks with the NSCC Nautical Instituteteaching in the area of marine simulation.

William J.S. Tulk, Marine Engineer,retired as Chief Engineer after a verysuccessful career of 36.5 years with MarineAtlantic.

Commander Robert J. Clark, Bachelor ofMaritime Studies, has enjoyed a verysuccessful career with Canada’s Military andassumed Command of CFS St. John’s inJuly 2007.

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Mr. Robert Butler, former vice-president ofthe College of Fisheries, passed away onSunday, Oct. 26, 2008 at the age of 85.

Mr. Butler was an educator who taught inmany Newfoundland communities during his39 year career. Originally from Kelligrews, he

received his Masters Degree in Educationfrom the University of Toronto and was thesupervising principal of GanderAmalgamated School when he was appointedas vice-president of the College of Fisherieson July 1, 1968. He served in this position for12 years until he retired in 1980.

Mr. Butler was highly recognized for hiscontributions to the College of Fisheries andthe education and training of studentsthroughout his long career.

The Marine Institute would like to extendsympathies to his wife, Vivian and his family.

IT APPEARS that there is not much that candaunt the recently-graduated Joanne Welsh. Thatis obvious from her career choice and the dutiesthat come with it. Joanne graduated from theCanadian Forces’ Marine Engineering TechnicianTraining Program at Marine Institute inSeptember 2008.

In the short months since then, Joanne has takenon the role of marine engineer technician onboard the HMCS Toronto — a war ship that runs24 hours a day, 365 days a year with a crew of 220personnel. She runs the ship’s main propulsionand auxiliary equipment — what, to some, mayseem like an overwhelming career choice.

“As a child, I watched my father work on theGreat Lake ships and always had an interest inhow things worked. So I decided on this careerpath. Now that I’m here, I have no regrets aboutmy decision. I enjoy trouble shooting theproblems on board and the fast-paced workenvironment is always changing. It’s a great life,in my opinion.”

What does it mean to be a marine engineertechnician? It means conducting maintenanceand rounds on gas turbines, diesel engines, airconditioning and refrigeration equipment,electrical power generation, steam generators,reverse osmosis desalination plants to make seawater drinkable, sea water pumps, fuel pumps,and other auxiliary equipment.

Based in Nova Scotia, Joanne lives in Lakelandand has been a member of the Canadian Navyfor almost four years. A typical day at sea beginswith rounds of the engineering spaces on theship during a four-hour watch to ensure that theship is running properly. All engineering spaces

are cleaned and preventative maintenance onnon-running equipment is completed.

“Our work environment is pretty fast paced.When we are tied up in Halifax, I work a normalwork week. When the ship’s at sea, I work a one-in-three watch. That means we work one four-hour shift, then off for two four-hour shifts, thenback to a four-hour shift. We do this for theduration of time we are at sea.”

In addition to these shifts and the regularlyscheduled maintenance and operation checks,Joanne and the crew are involved in specialtraining drills. These drills are conducted dailyand may include different scenarios such as a fireor flood, a missile attack on the ship, or a shipboarding by hostile parties.

While on board, each crew member has his orher own bunk in a space with approximately 20other crew. Most of the comforts of home areon offer: satellite TV, showers, laundry facilities,five meals a day, a canteen, and a bar thatoperates while a sea. The ship is fully functional:it can be re-fueled while at sea and can house ahelicopter and its crew. There is also a fullsickbay with two physicians’ assistants.

Although the work environment can beextremely hot and dirty, Joanne remainsmotivated by her work, her peers and hersuperiors.

“There are always problems that arise whichadd to the mental challenge of this position,”said Joanne. “But the Navy is very big onteamwork, which helps us all work toward thesame goal of keeping the ship operatingsmoothly and safely.” ~


Recycling is a great way to help preserve theenvironment but staff, faculty and students

of the Marine Institute have also found a way tohelp turn those old beverage containers intofood for those in need.

Over $2,200 was collected through the beveragecontainer recycling program at the institute anddonated to the MUN campus food bank. Thecheque presentation was made at the instituteon Nov. 25 by Mike Wadden, Ever GreenRecycling.

Noel Veitch, campus food bank coordinator,says donations such as this are always welcomeand needed but this one is especially timely withthe Christmas season right round the corner.“The money that we received will go towardsbuying the perishable food items that people donot normally donate such as fruit, vegetables andmilk,” said Mr. Veitch. “We are in the process ofpreparing for our Christmas hampers and thismoney will go a long way to ensure that we can

purchase food that we don’t get in sufficientsupply. A big thank you goes out to the MarineInstitute for making this donation possible.”

In 2001, an energetic group of MI employees,working to improve student and employee life atMI, implemented the recycling program. Sincethat time, an estimated 100,000 pop tins per yearhave been recycled.

Committee members, including Brian Quinn,felt that implementing a recycling program at theinstitute was necessary. “At a staff retreat, we allgot together and decided that recycling was apriority for us so with a budget of $1,000 webought the recycling bins and got the ballrolling,” said Mr. Quinn. “The work that thecommittee put into this initiative was incredible.Members often went above and beyond toensure that the program kept going. Withouttheir dedicated help, this program would nothave gotten off the ground. It was truly a groupeffort.”

Mr. Quinn goes on to explain that the recyclingprogram at MI has since expanded to includepaper and cardboard. Atlantic Blue Recyclingpicks up the material twice a week and buy-inhas been very successful.

“We’re very happy with how the program hasprogressed and are so glad to be able to help outthe campus food bank,” adds Mr. Quinn. “It’s awin-win situation for Ever Green, the foodbank, Atlantic Blue, MI and the environment.”

The Campus Food Bank assists some 2,000people per year, 75 per cent of which areMemorial students and their families. Abouthalf of those being helped are children.

The Campus Food Bank is open Monday andThursday from 3:30-5:30 p.m. and 7-8 p.m., aswell as Sunday from 4-5 p.m.

Contact [email protected] for moreinformation. ~

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RECYCLING

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(CMS) will be using its ship bridge simulator forsome fun in 2009 as it partners with the Historic SitesAssociation on their Celebrating Bartlett 2009 celebrations.

The centre will offer a simulation of two sections ofCaptain Bob Bartlett’s historic 1909 Polar expeditionvoyage in the Roosevelt, the trip in which Bartlett carriedAmerican explorer Robert Peary to within 150 miles ofthe North Pole.

This partnership is a natural fit for the Marine Institutegiven the strong maritime culture of the organization, itshistory of training mariners, and its expertise in icenavigation. “This is an excellent opportunity to highlightthe amazing journey of Bartlett, while also showcasingthe centre’s abilities as the most comprehensive suite of

marine simulation capabilities in North America,”said Captain Christopher Hearn,

director, CMS. “It ise x c i t i n g

and rewarding to be able to educate about Bartlett’s legacyand achievements.”

The centre will offer free tours of the simulator and theopportunity to experience the Peary Polar Voyagesimulation for five weeks this summer during theCelebrating Bartlett 2009 program of events. The simulationwill allow people to “virtually” sail to the Arctic, includingthe sensations of hitting and manoeuvering over the ice.

Edward Roberts, chair, Celebrating Bartlett 2009 SteeringCommittee, expressed his appreciation to the MarineInstitute for their participation in the festivities. “We arevery pleased to have the Marine Institute partner with usfor Celebrating Bartlett 2009,” said Mr. Roberts. “Thesimulation technology provides a wonderful way formembers of the public and in particular, children toexperience the voyage expedition and gain a betterunderstanding of Bartlett’s great accomplishments. Weencourage everyone to take the opportunity this summerto experience first-hand what it was like to voyage to thefar North over 100 years ago.” ~

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11,,000000 MMoorree RReeaassoonnss ttoo SSttuuddyy aatt MMIIThe Marine Institute makes a rewarding education evenmore affordable with new entrance scholarships forstudents in our diploma and advanced diplomaprograms.

Starting Sept. 2009, new diploma students with an 80percent scholarship average or greater will receive$1,000.

Students starting their advanced diploma in water quality,sustainable aquaculture, food safety or integrated coastaland ocean management will receive $1,000 with ascholarship average of 75 percent or greater.

When you apply to study at the Marine Institute, you areautomatically considered for one of these non-renewable entrance scholarships. No scholarshipapplication 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 scholarshipsand awards to new and returning students. Coupled withthe institute’s highly affordable tuition rate, ournumerous scholarships offer a great reason for studentsto enrol in the Marine Institute’s wide range ofprograms.

For more information, check the Marine InstituteCalendar, visit www.mi.mun.ca, or call 709-778-0611. ~

the bridge - winter 2009

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