Maritime Students Take on Real-World Challenges at Annual Nautical Skills Competition

Students from the Fisheries and Marine Institute of Memorial University will put their skills, teamwork and leadership to the test during the 2026 Nautical Skills Competition (NSC), taking place February 6–7 at the Marine Institute.

Wednesday, February 4, 2026 By Madeline Meadus

Students from the Fisheries and Marine Institute of Memorial University will put their skills, teamwork and leadership to the test during the 2026 Nautical Skills Competition (NSC), taking place February 6–7 at the Marine Institute.

The competition is hosted by the Master Mariners of Canada (MMC), Newfoundland and Labrador Division, in collaboration with the Marine Institute, and brings together students from the Institute’s Nautical Science and Marine Engineering programs for two days of hands-on, scenario-based challenges that reflect real-world maritime operations.

Now in its 14th year, the NSC continues to serve as a signature event for the maritime community, providing students with opportunities to demonstrate technical competency, decision-making, communication and professionalism in a competitive but supportive environment.

“This competition is about far more than technical skill,” said Capt. Eben March, Chair of the Nautical Skills Competition Committee and instructor in the Marine Institute’s School of Maritime Studies. “It challenges students to think critically, work effectively as a team, and operate safely under pressure — the same expectations they will face at sea. It’s incredibly rewarding to watch these future mariners and engineers rise to that challenge.”

A total of seven teams will compete this year, made up of first- through final-year Nautical Science and Marine Engineering students. In addition, 16 high school students with an interest in marine careers will participate alongside the post-secondary teams, gaining early exposure to the skills and training involved in the maritime sector.

The competition begins Friday evening, February 6, with the Marine Emergency Duties (MED) exercise, where teams are assessed on emergency response skills including firefighting, rescue procedures and the use of safety equipment.

Competition activities resume Saturday, February 7, starting at 8 a.m., with students rotating through nine exercises, including:

• Dynamic Positioning
• Seamanship
• Emergency Management
• Offshore Operations
• Ship handling and Navigation
• Search and Rescue
• Engine Room Simulator
• Engine Room Machine Shop
• Marine Electric Motor Installation (new for 2026)

Awards recognizing excellence in areas such as safety, leadership, teamwork, professionalism and problem-solving will be presented during a gala dinner following the competition.

The Nautical Skills Competition would not be possible without strong industry support. This year’s sponsors include: Alogma Central Corporation, Atlantic Towing, Cenovus, DOF Group, 360 Marine Ltd., Desgagnés Atlantik Inc., CSL Group, Horizon Maritime, Canadian Merchant Service Guild, Virtual Marine, Woodward Group, Oceanex, Fednav Ltd., Marine Atlantic, Sea1 Offshore, Atlantic Pilotage Authority, Reliance Offshore, CMCA, McKeil Marine, RJG Construction, The J.J. Ugland Companies, Knutsen OAS Shipping, Newfoundland Transshipment Ltd., and the Canadian Institute of Marine Engineering.

Founded in 2012 by the Master Mariners of Canada NL Division, the Nautical Skills Competition has grown into a flagship event that strengthens connections between students, educators and industry while highlighting the importance of mentorship and professional excellence in the maritime sector.

For more information, visit https://nsc.mastermariners.ca.