Marine Simulators Transferred to Province

The Honourable Peter Penashue, Federal Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and President of the Queen’s Privy Council of Canada, today announced the Government of Canada has transferred two marine training simulators to the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador, along with federal funding of $1,233,253 for the province to modernize the simulators on behalf of the Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities.

The Provincial Government is contributing $528,537 to upgrade the equipment, along with $100,000 annually for upkeep.

The navigation and engine room simulators are located at the Fisheries and Marine Institute of Memorial University of Newfoundland. They are used for the Nautical Science and Marine Engineering diploma programs as well as to support continuing education and on-going certification for ships’ deck and engine room officers.

“Our government is committed to getting our students the training they need right in their own communities with state-of-the-art equipment,” said Minister Penashue. “We’re working hard to ensure that Canada is well positioned to meet the ever-increasing demand for qualified seafarers.”
                                                                                                          
“The Fisheries and Marine Institute is recognized nationally and internationally for programs of excellence, producing top-notch marine and nautical science specialists,” said the Honourable Joan Burke, Minister of Education. “Ensuring these simulators are available for student training will help the institution continue its innovative and progressive approach to program development and applied research. It will also support Newfoundland and Labrador’s competitiveness in the oil and gas, marine transportation, commercial fishing and aquaculture industries.”

“The Fisheries and Marine Institute is North America’s most comprehensive research and training institution especially in the area of marine simulation,” said Glenn Blackwood, Executive Director of the Marine Institute. “Our Centre for Marine Simulation has earned a place among the world’s best with its advanced technology and skilled personnel. The transfer of these new simulators will ensure that we continue to renew our world-class suite of simulators and attract students locally, nationally and internationally.”
 
Newfoundland and Labrador is one of five provinces to receive funding under Transport Canada’s $7.2-million Marine Simulators Contribution Program. This program offers financial assistance to the five provinces where TC-owned marine simulators have been located over the past few decades – British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland and Labrador. The simulators are donated to the provinces to promote consistent training standards for seafarers, while allowing more flexibility around their use.

For further details on this initiative and other marine safety issues, visit www.tc.gc.ca/marinesafety/menu.htm.

- 30 -

Media contacts:

2011 06 17                                                                                      2:15 p.m.