Fisheries and Marine Institute of Memorial University of Newfoundland

Nautical science students from across the province convened at the Marine Institute on Saturday, January 25 for the 3^rd annual Nautical Skills Competition.

Team five, 47^th Latitude Attitude, was named the winner of the 2014 competition. Members of the winning team include nautical science students Chris Reglar, Chantell Clarke, Keith Dalley, Chris Blackwood, Laurier Boudreau and Andrew Riggs. Each student received $1,000 and will have their names engraved on the Captain Jim Thorpe plaque.

Team 47^th Latitude Attitude vied for the top position amongst seven other teams in a series of exercises in dynamic positioning, seamanship, cargo work, ship handling and navigation. The teams were judged by a panel of experts from the marine industry.

The Nautical Skills Competition, hosted by the Company of Master Mariners of Canada (CMMC) (NL Division), in collaboration with the Marine Institute, is a series of challenging exercises designed not only to test marine knowledge and ability but also to develop leadership skills and confidence.

“The level of competition amongst the students continues to increase each year we do this," said Captain Christopher Hearn, director, MI’s Centre for Marine Simulation. “The team work, creativity and positive attitude shown by the groups this year were exceptional. The judges and organizers as a whole were very impressed.”

Forty-three students from MI’s nautical science program entered the competition this year. The teams were tasked with presenting two minute safety briefings at the start of each exercise, which included factors such as situational awareness of the environment, concern for the cargo and crew and knowledge of the equipment.

Teams were awarded points based on their attention to safety, ability to successfully execute specific tasks and procedures and teamwork.

The annual Nautical Skills Competition aims to promote the maritime sector, encourage team building and professionalism and foster a culture of safety. The event provides students the opportunity to network with some of the region’s most experienced mariners, interact with fellow cadets and put their education to the test in a pursuit for top prize and their name on the Captain Jim Thorpe trophy.

The 2014 competition was sponsored by the following local, national and international companies: Lloyds Register North America Inc., Newfoundland Transshipment Limited, Rutter Inc., Fednav Ltd., Maersk Supply Service, Kongsberg Maritime, Atlantic Towing Ltd., Woodwards, Suncor, Oceanex, Noble Denton Canada Ltd., Atlantic Pilotage Authority, Canship Ugland Ltd., Husky Energy, Group Ocean, McKeil Marine, Secunda Canada LP, Wrightway, Transocean, Fisheries and Marine Institute of Memorial University of Newfoundland, Virtual Marine Technology Inc., Canadian Coast Guard/ Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary.