Memorial University’s deep ties to Newfoundland and Labrador’s maritime heritage are steering its research agenda, with over 40 per cent of its work focused on ocean-related challenges. From fish behaviour to cold ocean engineering, the university is collaborating with communities and industries to tackle critical issues like safety, climate change, and search and rescue. These partnerships are not just academic—they’re shaping real-world solutions that could redefine maritime safety and sustainability.
The Ocean Ranger disaster in 1982 was a turning point. The Royal Commission’s recommendations spurred Memorial’s Marine Institute to establish specialized training and research centres, including the Centre for Marine Simulation and the Offshore Safety and Survival Centre. These facilities now boast some of the most advanced marine simulators globally, providing “artificial experience” to mariners and reducing human error-induced accidents. Jill Mackey, chief safety officer of the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Petroleum Board, underscores the enduring impact: “The Ocean Ranger tragedy serves as a constant reminder of why safety is paramount in all decisions made.”
Climate change is reshaping Arctic travel. Inuit communities rely on sea ice for transportation and food gathering, but thinning ice has made traditional routes dangerous. SmartICE, a community-driven initiative, integrates Indigenous knowledge with real-time data to monitor ice thickness. Rex Holwell, manager of Nunatsiavut operations for SmartICE, notes the shifting ice patterns: “The ice isn’t forming until later… conditions are very different from 20-30 years ago.” This system provides critical information, helping communities make safer travel decisions. Julius (Joe) Dicker, the mayor of Nain, highlights its local pride: “SmartICE is one thing Nain can proudly claim as our own.”
Unpredictable offshore conditions demand innovative solutions. Dr. Brian Veitch, Cenovus Energy research chair in safety at sea, is developing virtual marine environments to study human performance in offshore settings. His collaboration with Paradise-based Virtual Marine has led to commercial marine simulators adopted globally. Anthony Patterson, CEO of Virtual Marine, notes their joint work on lifeboat simulators: “It has been adopted globally by oil and gas companies to enhance the competency of lifeboat operators on offshore facilities.”
In eastern Canada and the Arctic, increasing ship traffic is straining search and rescue operations. The 2018 Senate report on maritime search and rescue highlighted the need for safer, more sustainable coastal communities. Memorial’s research is stepping into this gap, blending Inuit knowledge with cutting-edge technology to improve safety protocols and emergency responses.
These collaborations are more than academic exercises—they’re a blueprint for how universities, communities, and industries can work together to solve complex maritime challenges. From simulation training to real-time ice monitoring, Memorial’s work is setting a precedent for how research can drive tangible, life-saving outcomes. As maritime conditions grow more unpredictable, these partnerships will be crucial in shaping a safer, more resilient future for coastal and Arctic communities.