The Master Mariners of Canada (MMC) N.L. Division hosts the annual competition in collaboration with the Fisheries and Marine Institute of Memorial University.

This year, a total of 86 students will participate in the competition. Sixty of the participants are students in the nautical science and marine engineering programs, and 16 high school students are also taking part in the event. Students compete in teams and high school students will be included on each team.

Capt. Eben March, national president of the Master Mariners of Canada, says marine engineering students will take part in the competition for the first time.

“We are thrilled to announce that the marine engineering students will participate in this year's competition. This year, we’ve added two exciting new exercises specifically designed for marine engineers, which will enhance their competition experience,” said Capt. March.

“The 13 marine engineering cadets will join their nautical counterparts in all 9 exercises, bringing together their unique engine room and bridge experiences. We can’t wait to see them compete.”

Fifteen of the participating high school students are from Newfoundland and Labrador, while one is from Ontario.

Nine competition exercises

The competition starts 6 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 7, with a marine emergency duties exercise. Teams are challenged to don firefighting bunker gear, deploy a fire hose, perform a rescue, and don an immersion suit.

It continues at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 8, with students demonstrating their skills in eight exercises, including dynamic positioning, seamanship, emergency management, offshore operations, ship handling and navigation, search and rescue, marine emergency duties, engine simulation, and engine room shop.

Master Mariner flagship event

The Master Mariners of Canada, N.L. Division, started the competition in 2012 to mentor younger generations of upcoming seafarers. During the past decade, it has become the flagship event in the division’s annual calendar, engaging the maritime industry locally and nationally.

Twenty-two maritime companies are supporting this year’s competition, providing opportunities for cadets to interact with the region’s most experienced mariners.

Competition awards

Team awards will be presented for safety, professionalism, leadership and teamwork, with the top overall team receiving $1,000 for each team member and their name on the Capt. Jim Thorpe plaque.

Second- and third-place team members will also receive cash prizes. As well, awards will be presented for safety, spirit, professionalism, communication and teamwork, honourable mention, and achievement in problem-solving during the evening gala dinner.

This year’s sponsors are: Alogma Central Corporation, Atlantic Towing, Desgagnés Atlantik Inc., DOF Group, CSL Group, Horizon Maritime, Canadian Merchant Service Guild, Virtual Marine, Woodward Group, Altera, Oceanex, Fednav Ltd., Marine Atlantic, Sea1, Atlantic Pilotage Authority, Reliance Offshore, COMPASS, CMCA, McKeil Marine, The J.J. Ugland Companies, Knutsen OAS Shipping, Newfoundland Transshipment Limited and Canadian Institute of Marine Engineering.