Vanguard Magazine

22 AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2025 www.vanguardcanada.com C C G F L E E T Research Vessel is designed to collect criti- cal fisheries and oceanographic data that inform sustainable decisions for Canada's marine ecosystems. Outfitted with the lat- est hydroacoustic and mapping technolo- gies, it will conduct complex studies on aquatic species, habitat health, and ocean floor dynamics, particularly in the St. Law- rence River and Gulf regions. The data gathered will enhance Canada's under- standing of fish stocks and marine ecosys- tems, directly supporting the mission to sustain healthy oceans and fisheries. Ad- ditional vessels like the CCGS John Cabot, CCGS Sir John Franklin, and CCGS Cap- tain Jacques Cartier enhance fisheries sci- ence and seafloor mapping missions. Over the short- and medium-term, the Canadian Coast Guard has relied on a set of interim solutions to sustain capability while larger builds are underway. Vessels such as the CCGS Captain Molly Kool and CCGS Jean Goodwill were acquired and refitted for icebreaking duties. The leased Atlantic Eagle and Atlantic Raven provide emergency towing operations on the West Coast, ensuring marine safety. The National Shipbuilding Strategy's impact extends far beyond vessel produc- tion. It is revitalizing Canada's marine in- dustry through work at shipyards such as Seaspan in Vancouver, Chantier Davie in Lévis, Quebec, and Irving Shipbuilding in Halifax. Smaller builders like Hike Metal Products and Chantier Naval Forillon also contribute search and rescue motor lifeboats and specialty vessels. Thousands of Canadian businesses form part of the marine supply chain, benefiting from con- tracts and workforce development. Over $30 billion has already been added to Canada's gross domestic product and is de- veloping a skilled workforce that will serve the marine sector for generations. Today, the Canadian Coast Guard op- erates a fleet of 126 vessels spread across three regions. These include icebreakers, motor lifeboats, oceanographic vessels, multi-tasked platforms, and emergency tow ships, supported by a fleet of heli- copters, hovercraft, and rigid hull inflat- able craft. The fleet will soon celebrate the delivery of the final Bay Class Search and Rescue boats, the CCGS Mira Bay and CCGS Baie de Gaspé, and the new Arctic Offshore Patrol Ship, CCGS Donjek, ex- pected in 2026. The story of the Canadian Coast Guard's current and future fleet isn't just about building new ships; repairing and maintain- ing its aging vessels is essential to ensuring that services continue to meet Canadians' expectations. Through meticulous long- term planning, the Canadian Coast Guard regularly maintains and upgrades its ships to keep them safe and reliable. Inspections and surveys help decide which vessels need work, and some ships go through major life-extension upgrades to stay in service longer. This work is planned around new ship arrivals and carried out at shipyards across Canada. A recent example of this is the work carried out on the CCGS Sir Wil- frid Laurier in 2024. New generators were installed at Vancouver Drydock Company Ltd. to allow the vessel to operate on a blend of renewable diesel, biodiesel, and conventional diesel, marking a significant step toward a greener, low-carbon fleet. Building and maintaining ships is only part of the story. Operating and sustaining this growing fleet requires people. That is why the Canadian Coast Guard is actively working to recruit and train the next gen- eration of navigators, marine engineers, and ships' crew. Emphasis is placed on creating inclusive and diverse workplaces that reflect the communities served. From helping mar- iners in need to protecting our oceans from pollution, a career with the Canadian Coast Guard offers an experience like no other. Their personnel work in a variety of settings from coast to coast to coast, including na- tional and regional offices, Marine Commu- Fleet renewal is not just about steel and rivets. It is about Canadians—those who rely on maritime safety, those who call coastal communities home, and those who depend on goods shipped by sea. Photo: The Canadian Coast Guard nication and Traffic Services centres, search and rescue stations, and vessels at sea. From icebreaking, to supporting science work, to marine traffic communications, they have dozens of career opportunities both at sea and on-shore. They are actively recruiting new and experienced personnel. Or if one wants to acquire the skill needed to work at the Canadian Coast Guard. Where does one acquire the skills needed to work at in the Canadian Coast Guard? The Canadian Coast Guard College, of course. Located in Sydney, Nova Scotia, the College is the centre of training excel- lence that develops and delivers unique and specialized training to personnel. Once an Officer Cadet is accepted into a program at the College, they receive the same benefits as an employee of the Cana- dian Coast Guard including salary, health benefits, and a pension, on top of receiving free tuition, room, and board. The College offers the rare opportunity of a guaranteed job with the Canadian Coast Guard after graduation and an incredible opportunity to serve Canadians. As the impacts of climate change inten- sify and marine activity rises, particularly in the North, the demands placed on the Canadian Coast Guard will only increase. From emergency response to environmen- tal stewardship, from Arctic presence to marine science, the Canadian Coast Guard stands on the front line. The National Shipbuilding Strategy is helping to ensure it is equipped, empowered, and ready to meet this future. Fleet renewal is not just about steel and rivets. It is about Canadians—those who rely on maritime safety, those who call coastal communities home, and those who depend on goods shipped by sea. It is about securing our oceans, growing our economy, and affirming our presence in the world's most challenging waters. Rachael Burdman, Director of Communications, Canadian Coast Guard

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