Fisheries and Marine Institute of Memorial University of Newfoundland

Students enrolled in the Nautical Science program at the Marine Institute will be putting their marine knowledge to the test during the fourth annual Nautical Skills Competition being held this weekend. This year, nearly 50 students have signed up and will be separated into eight teams for the two-day competition.

Through a series of challenging exercises, students will work together to test their knowledge and learn about what it takes to foster a safety culture. They’ll also have an opportunity to network with some of the region’s most experienced mariners and interact with fellow cadets. In the process, they’ll develop leadership skills and confidence.

The first, second and third year Nautical Science students will compete in five areas including dynamic positioning, seamanship, cargo, shiphandling and navigation, all in pursuit of the top prize of $1000 per student and the honour of having their name proudly displayed on the Captain Jim Thorpe trophy. This year, the competition has an enhanced element. New applicants planning to attend MI in the fall have also been invited to observe the weekend’s activities. The goal is to pique their interest for next year’s competition and solidify their decision to attend MI.

Held annually by the Company of Master Mariners of Canada NL Division, in collaboration with the Marine Institute, the Nautical Skills Competition receives tremendous support from a number of partners, including Kongsberg Maritime, McKeil Marine, Transocean, Virtual Marine Technology Inc., Suncor, Rutter Inc., Oceanex, Newfoundland Transshipment Limited, WrightWay, Atlantic Towing, Fednav Ltd., Secunda Canada LP, Group Ocean, Woodward Group, Canship Ugland, Atlantic Pilotage Authority, Maersk Supply Service, NEAS, Marine Atlantic and the Canadian Coast Guard.

All hands will be on deck from Friday, January 23 to Saturday, January 24 at the Marine Institute’s campus on Ridge Road. Follow along on Facebook and Twitter for updates throughout the weekend @marineinstitute and #NSC2015.

The Company of Master Mariners of Canada (CMMC) is a professional association for those qualified to command. It is a not-for-profit organization established to encourage and maintain high and honourable standards within the nautical profession.