Author: Richard Smith

Brian Johnston FNI 1931-2023

It is with great sorrow and sadness that we report the passing of a founding member and a long-time supporter of the Nautical Professional Society of Canada (NPESC).

Brian went to sea at the age of 16 as a Cadet with “Eagle Oil” and remained with that company until he had obtained his Foreign Going Masters Certificate of Competency. In 1959 he left the sea and moved to Canada, working his way on a ship bound for ports in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. In his search for work he took a job as a steeplejack but ships and the sea were what he knew and soon found a position on a Canadian Coastguard vessel based in Prince Rupert that led him to the Ship Safety Division of Transport Canada in Vancouver.

Brian was a warm, kind and humble man with an extensive knowledge of cargo ops and was known as the ‘go-to-person’ in Transport Canada, Ship Safety. He was well known throughout the marine Industry and avid supporter (Past Chairman and Fellow) of the Nautical Institute BC Branch. He will be sadly missed.

Capt. Brian Silvester Memorial Maritime Bursary

We have the pleasure to inform you that we have awarded the 3rd Annual Bursary to Mr Rodney Amos of Victoria.

He recently finished his courses Ship Construction and Stability for his Masters Near Coastal Certification at Camosun College.

He was most convincing in his application for this Bursary and we acknowledge Camosun College for the superb work that they deliver for sailors like Rodney.

We know that Capt. Brian would be proud of the work being done in his name.

Awards made at BCIT Marine Campus

The NPESC was pleased to present two awards to BCIT Marine Campus cadets on Friday April 28th.

Captains Joachim Ruether and Stan Bowles were on hand to present the 2022 BCIT First Year Achievement Award to Kara Perehudoff and the 2022 book award to Tyus Barfoot.

Captain Bowles took this opportunity to give a brief history of the NPESC to all students and Captain Ruether reminded students that NPESC is currently accepting applications for our 2023 spring bursary. Applications must be received by midnight on April to be eligible for consideration.

Full details regarding the 2023 spring bursary can be found by clicking here.

Captains Ruether (left) and Bowles (right) present Kara with her certificate
Captains Ruether (left) and Bowles (right) present Tyus with his book award