Former Coast Guard Ship To Benefit Marine Students

Vessel will be used in marine programs training at Memorial University

Tuesday, January 20, 2015

The Honorable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, announced today that the former Canadian Coast Guard vessel Shamook has been sold to the Fisheries and Marine Institute of Memorial University of Newfoundland. This vessel, which was formally used for fisheries research, will now serve as an educational tool at the specialized Institute.

The sale was conducted in accordance with the Treasury Board Directive on the Disposal of Surplus Material which gives the Minister the authority to authorize a direct sale, at less than market value, when it will serve the public interest more than a sale open to the public.

The Marine Institute had previously chartered the ship and determined it to be a suitable multi-purpose training platform for its students.

Quick Facts

• The former CCGS Shamook, a fisheries and oceanographic science research vessel, was part of the Canadian Coast Guard fleet for 35 years.
• In 2012, the CCGS Shamook was decommissioned and replaced by the modern CCGS Vladykov, an $18 million investment into the Canadian Coast Guard fleet and DFO fisheries science in Newfoundland and Labrador.
• Following two consecutive year-long agreements for usage of the vessel, the Fisheries and Marine Institute has now purchased the vessel.

The vessel was purchased for $50,000.

Quotes

“Our Government has made unprecedented investments to renew the Canadian Coast Guard fleet to ensure safety of our mariners and support science research. CCG vessel Shamook was a valued resource during its many years of service to Fisheries and Oceans Canada as a fisheries research vessel. I am pleased that the vessel will continue to be used for educational purposes at its new home port at the Marine Institute.”

– Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans

 “The Shamook has been a familiar sight along the Newfoundland and Labrador coast. The opportunity to have her serve as a training and a near-shore project support vessel for our students, researchers and crew suits the Marine Institute perfectly.”

– Glenn Blackwood, vice-president, Memorial University (Marine Institute)