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Naming and Launching Ceremony Held for M/V Nukumi
Enter Our Photo Contest Show Us Your Safety Moves!
N°2 Volume 1 2021
Biodiesel Trials Continue on CSL Fleet by Frank Dahan, Director, Transportation Services and Global Fuel Strategy and Yousef El Bagoury, Naval Architect CSL continues to lead the way towards achieving zero-carbon shipping in the Great Lakes. On April 29, Rt. Hon. Paul J. Martin was the first ship to launch CSL’s 2021 biodiesel testing program. This year, eight vessels from our Canadian fleet will participate in the program, by testing B100 second-generation biodiesel as the fuel source for their main engines. These tests follow the successful trials of B100 (100% biodiesel) on the main engines of Rt. Hon. Paul J. Martin and CSL Welland last year. When compared to petroleum-based fuel, biodiesel reduces lifecycle greenhouse gases by 86 percent, lowers particulate matter by 47 percent, reduces smog, and makes our air healthier to breathe. Replacing fossil fuel with biodiesel on vessels requires no modification of our existing equipment, making it a viable and attractive carbon-neutral fuel source over a ship’s lifecycle. We are eager to continue testing this fuel, as well as other solutions that make our air and waterways cleaner. We are grateful for the continued support and commitment of the technical team, vessel managers, and Chief Engineers on Rt. Hon. Paul J. Martin, CSL Welland, Spruceglen, Baie Comeau, CSL Assiniboine, CSL Laurentien and Whitefish Bay, as well as from the bunker desk. We look forward to expanding this project in the months and years ahead, and to working with our ship and shore teams, as well as with our customers, to reduce our carbon footprint.
First Ballast Water Treatment System on Laker Installed on Whitefish Bay by Rhiannah Carver, Director, Enterprise Project Management Office and Sustainability Whitefish Bay became the first Canadian Laker to become equipped with a ballast water treatment system. Treating ballast water is a critical step in protecting the marine environment. Ballast water can contain harmful bacteria, viruses, and waste, as well as plants and animals that are not native to an ecosystem. If ballast water is discharged into a lake or ocean without being treated, the wastewater can spread disease or invasive species with disastrous consequences. Scientists in fact believe ballast water discharges started the zebra mussel infestation in the Great Lakes. To minimize these problems and to comply with Transport Canada regulations that will take effect in the next three to nine years, CSL installed two Alfa Laval Ultraviolet (UV) treatment systems with 2000 m3/hour maximum ballast flow rate capacity on Whitefish Bay. Current Transport Canada regulations stipulate that all ships built after 2009 must be equipped with a ballast water treatment system by 2024. All ships built prior to 2009 must
have systems installed by 2030. By installing a system on Whitefish Bay early, CSL will gather information about the best design and engineering options. We are also building strong working relationships with contractors and testing the system to see how well it works in the Great Lakes. We’d like to thank everyone involved in the lengthy design and installation process, which spanned two winters. Special thanks to Captain Kenny Thorne and Chief Engineer Rajbir Singh for their professionalism and dedication in keeping everyone informed concerning the system’s performance and challenges. Those challenges have included regular lamp breakages in the UV reactor, power interruption during system operation, and inconsistency in the system’s ability to meet compliance with USCG operation modes. The dedicated Ballast Water Treatment System taskforce is working with the crews and regulators to find solutions for ballast water management in the Great Lakes.
A MESSAGE FROM NATHALIE SYKORA Chief Global Operations Officer
Let’s Do This Together This is our second edition of Channel·16, the newsletter for Canada Steamship Lines seafarers that provides you with news, information and updates on what is going on at CSL and in our industry. One of the objectives of this publication is to help bridge the gap between our workforce on our ships and in the office. The reason this is so important is that together we either fail or succeed. We are all equal and critical components in CSL’s success. Every employee from every department, from every ship and office does their part in making CSL what it is today. It’s important to maintain a human approach to business that acknowledges our universal need for interaction and understanding. Together, let’s keep
building a culture that values open communication, where we can discuss both our successes and our mistakes openly. We encourage all CSLers to contribute ideas and suggestions on how to foster an environment where we all feel comfortable about collaborating and seeking ideas from one another. This is the SafePartners way. Let’s continue to embrace and manage diversity in our workforce and diversity in our ideas. The differences between us are a source of fresh ideas and provides us with a competitive advantage. I envision us together, collaborating and solving problems faster and more efficiently than our competitors, and transporting cargo in a safer, smarter and more cost-efficient way. Let’s do this.
“We are all in this together; that we rise or fall as one” – Barack Obama
A MESSAGE FROM THE CAPTAINS AND CHIEFS COMMITTEE
CONTRIBUTE TO
CHANNEL·16 IS YOUR NEWSLETTER
CSL seafarers and their family members are welcome to contribute articles, photos, personal achievements and announcements, such as weddings, births and obituaries, for publication in Channel·16. If you would like to submit content, feedback or have an idea or suggestion to share, email the editorial team at Channel16@cslships.com. We look forward to hearing from you!
Channel·16 is a newsletter published three times a year by Canada Steamship Lines.
With the 2021 shipping season well underway, we would like to take this opportunity to welcome all seafarers back to work, following our much-needed winter break! Outfitting ships for a new season can be challenging, and this year, like last, has the added stress of Covid-19 and all that it entails. With some in the business sector still struggling through months of lock-down, it is great to see all ships in the CSL fleet outfitted and plying their trade. We would like to wish each and every CSL employee a successful and rewarding season! With summer approaching and many provinces relaxing their Covid-19 protocols, we appreciate the efforts of our employer to offer ships’ crews
the opportunity to avail of the vaccinations, in the safety of our ships. CSL has been able to arrange for medical personnel to join ships in both American and Canadian ports, making this a reality. In closing, we encourage all crews to continue to be mindful of safety protocols, to ensure a safe and successful operating season. We, the C & C committee, would like to extend our sincere thank you to CSL for their continued efforts in providing a safe working environment. We would also like to reaffirm our commitment to both Captains and Chief Engineers to support you during the 2021-2022 sailing season.
Captains and Chiefs Committee
HEAD OFFICE CONTACT INFO
759 Square Victoria, 6th floor Montreal, Quebec, Canada H2Y 2K3 T. 1 514-982-3800
For position only
Captain James Ryan President
Chief Engineer Junior Deschenes Vice-President
Captain Anita Lambe Secretary/Treasurer
Chief Engineer Philippe De Grandpré Second Vice-President
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Working in an Evolving COVID-19 Environment by Matthew Taylor, HSEQ Manager The 2021 operating season started in much the same way that 2020 ended, the precautions remain the same; wash your hands, wear a mask and avoid unnecessary interactions with outsiders. CSL’s COVID contingency team continues to meet and monitor the COVID-19 situation and COVID-19 remains a companywide top priority for the 2021 season. Among many initiatives to address the evolving situation, CSL has been active in lobbying efforts with Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada to promote access to rapid testing and Seafarer’s Vaccination programs. CSL encourages all employees to obtain a COVID-19 vaccine as soon as they can. April’s COVID outbreak on Atlantic Huron really brought the pandemic home to CSL, with 18 of 25 crew members contracting the virus. Thankfully all crew members completed their isolation under the supervision of the Thunder Bay District Health Unit and were cleared to return to work or home. The incident serves as a reminder to all CSLers to be extremely careful at work and at home. Vaccines and testing are the keys to a return to a new normal. There is light at the end of the tunnel, but we must remain vigilant, likely for some time to come. CSL owes a major thank you to all seafarers and their families for their dedication and sacrifice during these difficult times.
Photo: Carl Tremblay
Photo: Audrey Fournier
Vaccine Update Between May 17 and June 23, CSL was able to arrange a COVID-19 vaccine for every willing crew member on board a company vessel. Over 226 CSL seafarers received a COVID-19 vaccine through these clinics. The Frontenac crew waiting to get vaccinated.
We encourage all CSLers to get vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus!
Winter Work Like No Other CSL implemented an online COVID screening form for contractors to complete prior to boarding company vessels. In the three-month period, over 20,000 questionnaires were received and screened for COVID-19 symptoms. By implementing a strict
vessel access procedure, CSL was able to complete essential winter work maintenance on its fleet without a case of COVID-19. Thank you to all crew involved in this unprecedented winter work period.
New Collective Agreement Approved by SIU Members Since February, CSL and the Seafarer’s International Union of Canada have been negotiating a new collective agreement. Recently, SIU members voted overwhelmingly to approve the agreement, which secures new salary and working conditions for the next five years. Not only does this new agreement provide SIU members sailing with CSL with very competitive salaries, it also provides them with modern and progressive conditions such as more flexible time-off options and comprehensive travel arrangements. This agreement also marks a great step forward in the collaboration between SIU Canada and CSL, and ensures our unlicensed seafarers will continue to sail in some of the best conditions available on the Great Lakes. Congratulations to the negotiating teams on both sides for reaching such a positive agreement in such a timely manner. Thank you to everyone who supported negotiation efforts. For more information on the new agreement, contact your SIU representative.
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N° 2 — Volume 1, 2021
Weather Station Installed on Spruceglen
Cavitation Monitoring System Installed on Ferbec
by Yousef El Bagoury, Naval Architect
A cavitation monitoring system CSL has installed on Ferbec will help us understand the extent of the underwater noise the bulk carrier emits.
A small weather station installed this winter on Spruceglen is now measuring meteorological data in our Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River shipping channels. Participating in this project is part of CSL’s commitment to REVOS – Reduction of EnVironmental footprint of ships Operating on the St. Lawrence. CSL, Innovation Maritime and Davie Shipyard created the REVOS program to find simple, practical solutions to improve the environmental performance of ships.
by Caroline Denis, Manager, Environmental Programs
Underwater noise from ships – one of the main sources of anthropogenic marine noise – causes noise pollution for marine mammals. The sound frequencies the ships emit overlap with the frequencies whales use to communicate, feed, navigate and reproduce, potentially disrupting those essential whale behaviours.
Cavitation – the formation of bubbles in the water as a propeller moves through it – accounts for 80 to 85 percent of the underwater noise a ship produces. The new monitoring system will now provide the captain with real-time information about the extent of the cavitation the ship is producing, and the associated noise. Installing the system involved drilling three holes into the bottom plating above the propeller and welding from the inside to add pressure sensors and an accelerometer that will measure water pressure fluctuations in the vicinity of the propeller. Phase 1 of the data collection is now complete and it is with the help of a hydrophone deployed near Baie-Comeau that the noise emitted by the ship was recorded during five transits at different speeds. The data we collect will allow us to identify changes that take place when we initiate cavitation. We’ll also learn about differences associated with operating in fresh or salt water, as well as in weather conditions, draft, trim, and other operating variables.
Decarbonization by 2050 is one of the International Maritime Organization’s major goals. To meet that goal, it will be critical for the maritime industry to adopt new technologies that harness wind and solar energy, to reduce our dependence on traditional fuels. But to evaluate these new technologies, we need to understand how much wind and solar energy we could harness from our shipping channels.
Next fall, once the software is finalized, we will feed the cavitation state to the O2 system. This phase of our research will provide Ferbec’s bridge crew with a prediction of the noise level they are producing in real time, to see if the information helps them minimize cavitation when they are operating in a critical habitat for at-risk whales.
The weather station collects this data and it will help the REVOS program assess solar panels, rigid sails, Flettnor rotors and other new technology. Together, they could reduce the greenhouse gas emissions our vessels produce, minimizing our environmental footprint.
Special thanks go to Captain Ghyslain Beaulne, Captain Joe Fraser and their crew for their involvement in this project. Photo: Kim Aubut-Demers
Update on Lifesaving Rules Training by Francois Laplante, Training Specialist Lifesaving training reduces the risk of having an accident, incident or near-miss by 70 percent in high-risk operations. Under the Canada Labour Code, this training is mandatory.
Our goal is to have 80 percent of our crew throughout CSL Canada trained, and to maintain that training. Once completed, the training is valid for three years. All crew members should take it.
In April 2020, when we started to track the number of employees who have taken the Seven Lifesaving Rules Training, only 43 percent of our crewmembers were trained. One year later, thanks to the efforts of many of our seafarers, 70 percent of the crew within our fleet have received this training.
To get your Lifesaving Rules training done as soon as possible, check the internal training calendar on your vessel or ask your training officer when the next training course is scheduled. If you have any questions, please contact CSL Academy : CSLacademy@cslships.com
SAFETY TRAINING REPORT Landing Boom
15%
LSR-Machine Safety
ACTIVE CREWS
39%
LSR-Energy Isolation LSR-Hoisting and Lifting
303
85%
27%
61% % OVERALL QUALIFIED
73%
23%
77% 70%
LSR-Mooring LSR-Working at Height
29% 42%
71% 58%
LSR-Confined Space
31%
69%
LSR-Fire Control and Manag...
30%
70%
30%
Yes
No
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The Latest on the FiRM Project by Laura Espinosa, Junior Project Engineer CSL has installed the first Hi-Fog® suppression system aboard a member of the Canadian fleet. Thunder Bay received the system this past winter, to protect against fires in cargo-handling spaces, such as the tunnel and the c-loop. Thunder Bay is now also equipped with thermal cameras and linear heat detection systems, as are Atlantic Huron and Rt. Hon. Paul J. Martin. These systems provide early warnings of fires in cargohandling spaces.
commissioned CCTV flame and smoke detection systems installed to provide early warning of fires in the engine room and remote machinery spaces. CSL Welland, CSL St-Laurent, Ferbec, and Oakglen are the other vessels that received the flame and smoke detections systems. Once COVID-19 travel restrictions are lifted, the FiRM team will arrange for contractors to troubleshoot and complete any outstanding work during this service period. We’d like to thank the onboard crews, whose help and collaboration are the key to the project’s success!
In addition, Thunder Bay and Rt. Hon. Paul J. Martin have now joined four other vessels in having fully
During next winter’s lay-up period, we plan to install fire detection systems on Spruceglen, CSL Laurentien, Baie St. Paul and Whitefish Bay. We’ll also fit Whitefish Bay with Hi-Fog® suppression, and she will serve as the pilot vessel for installing boom deluge suppression equipment.
Hi-Fog® suppression system outboard pipe runs.
Hi-Fog® pump unit installed in the engine room.
Hi-Fog® suppression pipe and linear heat detection cable runs along the tunnel conveyor.
Hi-Fog® suppression supply lines to the c-loop and tunnel zones.
Thunder Bay and Whitefish Bay Earn Quadruple Platinum Pennants by Matthew Taylor, HSEQ Manager M/V Thunder Bay and M/V Whitefish Bay achieved incredible safety performance milestones in April and May 2021. Both reached the Quadruple Platinum level, achieving 2,555 days without a lost-time injury! Both vessels have operated lost-time-injury-free since they were delivered in 2013. Congratulations to all the seafarers who have worked on Whitefish Bay and Thunder Bay and who have adhered so closely to our safety standards!
NEW QUADRUPLE PLATINUM SAFEPARTNERS PENDANT
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N° 2 — Volume 1, 2021
Naming and Launching Ceremony Held for M/V Nukumi by the Commercial Team During a ceremony held on May 20, 2021, at Chengxi Shipyard in China, vessel sponsor Elizabeth (Betsey) Nohe gave the virtual signal to name and launch M/V Nukumi, the new state-of-the-art self-unloading ship under construction for Canada Steamship Lines (CSL) to serve long-time customer Windsor Salt. Ms. Nohe is the Vice President, Supply Chain Management, Windsor Salt.
The name Nukumi was submitted by a Windsor Salt employee as part of a company-wide naming contest. Pronounced “noo-goo-mee,” it refers to the legendary, wise figure of the Indigenous Mi’kmaq people, a culture with deep roots in Canadian Maritime Provinces. The new 26,000 DWT vessel is the result of a strategic partnership between CSL and Windsor Salt to bring
a long-term, safe, sustainable and reliable solution to the delivery of deicing salt from Windsor Salt’s Mines Seleines in the Magdalen Islands to stockpiles throughout Quebec and Eastern Canada. M/V Nukumi is expected to commence operations at the start of the 2022 navigation season. To watch videos of the name reveal and launch, go to mvNukumi.com.
Task Force Reviews Spare Parts by the Procurement Team Working closely together, the Supply Chain and Technical Operations teams created a taskforce to review and clean-up spare parts at the MDC Warehouse in St. Catharines. With the support of CSL Chief Engineers and experts, we have been able to identify items for sale or scrap. CSL has generated credits of $50K in FY21 and $25K in FY22 to date. The cleanup included initiatives such as a Pielstick parts review by Mike Brown, a painting and sandblasting equipment review by Bob McRae and Joe Kennedy, as well as a scrubber parts review by Vessel Managers, resulting in the deactivation, scrap or sale of 845 tags. For the remaining inventory, the current focus is a review of SUL critical spares for both the Canadian and CSL Americas fleets as well as the physical rearrangement of all spares according to improved maintenance and storage guidelines with validation of the condition, pictures and identification of important attributes (i.e. vessel fits).
From left to right: Mosina Dempsey, Joachim Hummel, Mijo Bohar, Bob McRae, Jorge Aparicio, Joe Kennedy and Denes Orlando.
All updates to parts information is recorded on the tag records in the inventory database to improve accuracy of information for the crew when looking for something. Anyone on board requesting tag information can email the MDC at MDC-Inventory-CAN@cslships.com for a detailed Tag Report, including pictures and part details.
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CSL Partners with Westpier for PPE
Strong Commercial Start to the Year
by the Procurement Team
by the Commercial Team
As of March 2021 and as part of our continuous effort to streamline our ordering process, CSL has transitioned to a partnership with Westpier as our primary PPE supplier.
The 2021 navigation season, marked by our very own Baie St. Paul opening the St. Lawrence Seaway, got off on a strong start. Despite the uncertainties driven by the COVID-19 pandemic, market sentiment is promising for the months ahead. CSL’s Commercial team is working hard to fill remaining days.
A total of 700 stock-keeping units, including PPE and other essential consumables, were transferred to Westpier’s facility in Port Colborne where Westpier will support the inventory and order fulfillment of all CSL PPE catalog items previously managed by Bickles. Westpier is a long-time marine product supplier and we are confident they will support our evolving needs. The Procurement team is working alongside Westpier to provide the best suitable options for our fleet. Your primary contact for PPE at CSL remains Kristie.Cormier@cslships.com.
Port Safety: Improving the Approach at Lower Cove In August 2019, Hurricane Dorian, a Category 5 Atlantic hurricane, displaced the cribs at Atlantic Minerals’ dock in Lower Cove, Newfoundland. Since then, we have collaborated with our customer to reposition all the cribs that were displaced except for Crib 4. That crib remains slightly out of position and extends outside the line of the dock. Atlantic Minerals has tried several times, without success, to reposition the crib. Plans to reposition the crib and to install a new boarding gangway are under way, and we will remain in close contact with the dock manager until this project is completed. In the meantime, our customer, our vessels, and CSL shoreside personnel have collaborated to create a mitigation plan. That plan has allowed three of our vessels to load cargo safely, with the assistance of tugboats.
Early indicators point to a strong demand for grain this year as economies begin to stabilize. However, we anticipate volume will decline slightly relative to last year’s uncharacteristically high demand. Iron ore prices continue to trade at unprecedented highs, which are having a positive impact on the demand for ore exports. As a result of the milder weather we experienced this past winter, we expect salt volumes to decline slightly from 2020. Looking ahead, we remain cautiously optimistic and expect the fleet will be fully employed for the duration of the season.
CSL CORE VALUES AWARDS PROGRAM The CSL Values Award Program is a bi-annual opportunity for ship and shore CSLers to globally recognize six employees who show exemplary individual achievement, contribution, and/or performance in line with one of the organization’s six core values.
CSL’S CORE VALUES ARE
We put people first We conduct ourselves with integrity We strive for zero harm We are customer-centric We strive for excellence We are innovators
You can submit a value award nomination for a peer, direct report, higher ranking officer, across departments, regions, ships, from crew to office or vice versa. CSL is collecting nominations. To learn more about CSL’s core values and the Value Awards Program go to http://www.cslships.com/en/csl-core-values-awards-program
Scan the QR code to submit your nomination form for a crewmate or colleague on the shoreside that you feel is deserving.
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N° 2 — Volume 1, 2021
New Assistance Program for Unlicensed Seafarers by François Laplante, Training Specialist
Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System and Maritime Occupational Health and Safety Training
At CSL, we care about our employees’ success and career development. We recognize that reaching certain positions can be challenging, especially if you need to return to school.
by Francois Laplante, Training Specialist
With the support of CSL Academy, we’re now offering a new assistance program for permanent unlicensed employees who’d like to complete the education required to become officers.
CSL is releasing new e-learning modules about Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHIMIS) and Maritime Occupational Health and Safety (MOHS) on Videotel in July. The training modules are mandatory for all seafarers in Canada, and are valid for three years, in accordance with the Canada Labour Code. These training modules are the most up-to-date in the industry and line up with current regulations and best practices at CSL.
If you are interested, consult your Fleet Letter for details about this new program and check out the application process.
CSL Canada Environmental Policy and Training by Caroline Denis, Manager, Environmental Programs
Towards Paperless Navigation
A new course entitled “Safe Partners – Environmental Training Module” will soon be available. This course provides general environmental training related to CSL’s activities. You will be able to discover the environmental impact of a ship, as well as learn about taking concrete actions to reduce CSL’s impact on water, air and natural resources.
by Captain Allwyn Phillips, Senior Manager, Navigation By the end of 2021, our goal is to be a paperless fleet, with the ability to navigate completely electronically. In 2020, we embarked on this project, providing all vessels in our Canadian Fleet with the necessary hardware, software, training, and procedures. We finished this work during the winter layup. In addition, ECDIS Generic Training was provided at Georgian College for navigational officers who required certification of the five-day course. Specific training for Sperry and Transas ECDIS is available online. If you require that training, please email CSL Academy at CSLacademy@cslships.com Adopting paperless navigation will align us with the global movement away from paper charts, and benefit the bridge team by: • eliminating administrative and clerical work associated with paper charts; heightening the focus on safe navigation; • integrating voyage planning, execution and monitoring; • assuring compliance; • creating a highly trained and functioning bridge team. At the start of the 2021 navigation season, every vessel in the fleet was also supplied with a SeaTab. • SeaTabs are portable tools that give crew members instant visibility, situational awareness, and confidence when navigating.
New Officer Development Program by Francois Laplante, Training Specialist CSL Canada is creating a new training program for officers who would like to improve their managerial skills and learn healthy working habits and behaviours. The initial phase of this voluntary program will begin this summer, before our official launch. Any officer who wants to pursue this professional development opportunity is welcome to take the training. Stay tuned for more information, coming soon.
• The tool’s easy-to-use interface provides live vessel positioning with an AIS Pilot Plug or GPS unit, to identify where vessels are in the vicinity on official electronic navigational charts (ENCs), helping to connect shoreside teams and vessels. • The combination of enhanced kernel capability to render electronic charts faster, and having official electronic charts on a portable device, provides instant navigational visibility in real time. On April 21, a paperless navigation trial began on CSL St. Laurent. Another paperless trial followed on May 5 on CSL Assiniboine. Once we review the results of these trials, we plan to phase in paperless navigation fleet-wide, beginning in June 2021. By November, we hope the entire fleet will have made the shift to paperless navigation. By the beginning of the 2022 navigational season, the entire fleet will be navigating by electronic means only. Photo : Carl Tremblay
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Whale Identification and Data Collection by Caroline Denis, Manager, Environmental Programs
Winter Training Successful in Covid-19 Environment by François Laplante, Training Specialist Despite COVID-19 restrictions, CSL’s Winter Training Program at Georgian College was a great success. Not only were the instructors dedicated, all 62 employees who participated correctly followed COVID-19 protocol, ensuring we had no COVID-related incidents. In total, our participants obtained 133 qualifications, in courses including: Pilotage Training, Basic and Advanced Ship-handling, and Leadership Management Skills. Attending the winter programs at the College, which covers all the Great Lakes Basin regions, contributes to career advancement and personal professional development goals. We are already working on the next winter program, which will provide new opportunities for everyone, at all ranks. Please forward any comments or suggestions for the winter training program to CSL Academy, CSLacademy@cslships.com. A big “thank you” to all the seafarers who took part in the program.
Certification Awarded per Rank Levels
58
1/Off.
34
2/Off.
Since 2015, CSL has voluntarily collected whale data in the St. Lawrence Gulf and Estuary. Over the years, the crews of Salarium and Baie St. Paul have identified 369 whales. Their participation has helped to build databases on different types of whales and their geographical distribution. As described in the latest MMON report, minke whales, fin whales, blue whales and harbour porpoises were the species most observed by crews. We single out Lise Portelance, First Mate on Baie St. Paul, who contributed more than half of these observations! To expand the number of CSL vessels participating in this initiative, a new data entry tool and marine mammal training will soon be available on Videotel for all seafarers who wish to increase their knowledge of marine mammals. This new
training helps crews identify the various whale species in the Estuary and Gulf of St. Lawrence and collect observation data. The collected data will serve to improve our knowledge about the distribution and quantity of these whales and better protect them.
23
3/Off.
11
Master
4
2/Engr. 3/Engr. 4/Engr.
2 1
The marine mammal training consists of two modules: Whale Identification Criteria, and Data Collection. The training lasts about 40 minutes and includes a final exam. Seafarers must score at least 70 percent to be certified. A practice assessment is available for those who want to review their skills before the final exam. This year, all officers and deck crew who stand watch on vessels in transit from Quebec City to the Gulf of St. Lawrence are required to complete the training.
Instructor Captain Andy Ferris with CSLers at the simulator.
New Harassment, Workplace Violence Prevention Training by Annie Choquette, Assistant General Counsel and Jean-Luc Plante, Senior Manager, Organizational Development and Training At CSL, we recognize the importance of creating a safe, inclusive workplace free of harassment, violence and discrimination. We’ve updated and improved our Harassment and Workplace Violence Prevention Policy to ensure we do our utmost to support a safe environment. We are rolling out this policy in the coming weeks: 1. You will receive the CSL Harassment & Workplace Violence Prevention Policy via the email address we have in our files. Please read the policy and use the form linked in the email to confirm you read it. 2. Onboard leaders play a crucial role in creating safe, inclusive, violence-free work environments. Your leaders will brief all seafarers about
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the policy and will outline the new training requirement. 3. Every CSL employee is also responsible for creating a safe work environment free of discrimination, violence and harassment. All CSL employees, on board and ashore, are now required to complete a mandatory training on harassment and workplace violence prevention, as required by the Canada Labour Code, Bill C-65.
Our goal at CSL is Zero Harm for our people, our assets and the environment. Creating a safe, inclusive and violence-free work environment is key to achieving our zero-harm objective. This new policy and training are intended to make sure all CSLers are able to thrive.
Seafarers can access this training on Videotel. It is called “Say No to Bullying – Say No to Harassment (Edition 2)”. You will have a few weeks following your onboard leadership briefing to complete this mandatory training.
N° 2 — Volume 1, 2021
Cadet Spotlight: Georgian College Award Recipients
Introduction of the New Cadet Training Guides
by Alyssa Walters, Talent Acquisition Coordinator
As our new and existing cadets join the fleet for their training this season, we are excited to officially introduce our new Cadet Training Guides (Navigation and Engine) to enhance and standardize our program.
Over the years, CSL cadets have been recognized by academic institutions and marine organizations for their dedication to their studies and placements. At CSL, we like to celebrate their successes and encourage all cadets and crew members to notify the shore team of achievements that should be highlighted in Channel•16. In our first Cadet Spotlight, we would like to recognize all CSL cadets, both those in school and on board, for their continued perseverance over the last year. We would also like to recognize three Georgian College cadets who were selected and rewarded by the Marine Club and the Canadian Institute of Marine Engineering (CIMarE) – Great Lakes Branch:
Captains and Chief Engineers received a Fleet Letter on March 31, 2021, to introduce the new guides and provide information about training. All crew members and cadets will have access to training videos on shipboard computers to learn more about this new addition. If you haven’t done so already, we encourage you to take a look and learn more about the guides. Also,
C/E Simard is the first woman Chief Engineer in CSL’s history, and we hope to see many more women follow in her footsteps!
3. CIMARE – 3rd Year Award: Marlee Kuchma (3rd Year, Sponsored)
Amélie’s CSL career began as an engine cadet in 2008. In 2014, Amélie worked as a Second Engineer onboard CSL Welland, Salarium and Thunder Bay, among other ships.
“I want to report how great an experience I have had, when
Good luck to all cadets joining this season and thank you to all crew members for supporting our cadet program!
Congratulations to Amélie Simard who successfully obtained her Chief Engineer (C/E) certification from Transport Canada, officially known as First Class Engineer, Motorship.
2. Marine Club Awards – Most Deserving 3rd Year Engineering Technology Student: Lucas Stone (3rd Year, Sponsored)
with
if you have any ideas for future improvement to the program, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Alyssa Walters (alyssa.walters@cslships.com).
Spotlight on Chief Engineer Amélie Simard
1. Marine Club Awards – Most Deserving 3rd Year Navigation Cadet: Matthew Merrifield (3rd Year, Sponsored)
beginning
Nicholas Thomas, Cadet of CSL St-Laurent
I
During this past winter, Amélie focused on her studies to complete her Chief Engineer exam before the start of the new season.
joined CSL St-Laurent back in September 2020 up to when I left CSL Niagara in January 2021. The crew on
On March 17, she successfully passed the final exam and obtained her C/E ticket from Transport Canada.
board both vessels always
Amélie ‘s first ship as a Chief Engineer is Frontenac.
prioritized safety with every task they carried out. No job was ever rushed, everyone was always alert and looking out for each other, hazards were proactively dealt with, and safety was taken very seriously by all. The on board safety culture was the best I’ve ever been a part of, and the crew was the most hardworking, knowledgeable, and friendly I have ever worked with. The OS, A/Bs, Officers, Tunnelmen, M/As, Engineers, Chief Engineers, and Captains were all professionals and I am very fortunate to have had the chance to learn from them. They all went out of their way to mentor me and take
A Vegetable Patch on CSL St-Laurent The CSL St-Laurent crew is enjoying vine ripened tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers and herbs this summer, freshly picked from their own onboard garden. The makeshift garden located on Monkey’s Island is well maintained by the green thumbs on the crew.
WEDDINGS AND BABIES Captain Joe Pero’s daughter, Annie-Grace Elizabeth Pero, married Joseph Whyte on June 19, 2021. Chief Engineer Philippe De Grandpré and his partner welcomed the birth of their third child, Florent, on April 9, 2021. Baby Florent joins big brother Antoine and big sister Charlotte.
me under their wings. I am very thankful to all of these individuals and CSL for providing me with such an amazing experience. The priority on safety at CSL and the quality of people who work here are a couple of the main reasons I have strived to earn a position as Cadet here, and also why I would like to continue working at CSL as a licensed mariner after graduation.” – Matthew Merrifield, 3rd Year Navigation, CSL St-Laurent, 2020
Photo: Carl Tremblay
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NEW RECRUITS FOR THE 2021-2022 NAVIGATION SEASON CAPTAINS • Jesse Vickers
• André Mercier, Chief Engineer • Filjohn Montehermoso, 4th Engineer • Agnes Murray, 2nd Cook
• Nitin Datar promoted Chief Engineer
• Audrey Fournier promoted First Officer
10 YEARS • Alvin Albarracin, OS • Konstantin D. Angelov, Mechanical Assistant • Stéphane Cayer, 2nd Engineer • Philippe De Grandpré, Chief Engineer • Elvin De Los Reyes, Mechanical Assistant • Junior Deschênes, Chief Engineer • Harold Gagnon, 3rd Engineer • Jamie Keeping, OS • Fabian Lefrense, OS • Samuel Loyola, AB • Quinn Macey, 2nd Officer • Jeffrey MacPhee, Chief Cook • Martin McNeil, 2nd Engineer
• Xavier Cicchino promoted First Officer
• Francis Lavoie promoted First Officer
New Process for Crew Service Awards
• Pierre Luc Cyr promoted 2nd Engineer
• Amélie Simard promoted Chief Engineer
SECOND ENGINEERS • Denis Savelyev
UNLICENSED • Yuriy Denysov, Able Seaman • Roberto Estampa, Ordinary Seaman • Marc-André Kenny, Mobile Electrotechnician • Trevor Munden, Ordinary Seaman • Bryan Rockefeller, Able Seaman
SERVICE AWARDS 2020
PROMOTIONS FOR THE 2021-2022 NAVIGATION SEASON
25 YEARS • Duane Dempsey, Captain • Alex Marsh, Electrician
We are very pleased to announce that as of April 1, 2021, CSL seafarers no longer have to apply to receive their Service Recognition Award.
• Louis Olivier Dumont promoted 2nd Engineer
RETIREES Bernie Bernas, Able Seaman Wilson Edmunds, Tunnelman Paul Macdonald, Ordinary Seaman Emmanuel Quansah, Mechanical Assistant • Daniel Simms, Ordinary Seaman 2021-2022 NAVIGATION SEASON • Avelino Soltes, Electrician • Michael Brown, 2nd Engineer • Fred Stute, Chief Engineer 2020 NAVIGATION SEASON • Valeri Davlekamov, Chief Engineer • Jim Perkins, Captain • George Walters, Captain • Wilson Walters, Captain
15 YEARS • Mahbubul Arif, Chief Engineer • Sébastien Boily, Chief Engineer • Walter Day, AB • Jean-Philippe Demers, AB • Anthony Fernandez, 2nd Officer • Stephen Simon, Head Tunnelman
• • • •
The Crewing and Payroll teams have produced a list of employees who will be eligible for the Service Recognition Awards in the upcoming year, from May 1, 2021 to April 30, 2022. The draft list was shared with vessels for their review and we are working out a few issues before finalizing it. The new CSL Service Recognition Awards Program is now formulated as follows: every year, from May 1 to April 30, eligible employees will receive a gift delivered to their home address the week of their anniversary date. There are six recognition categories, including the new 20-, 30- and 40-year awards.
GIFTS DISTRIBUTION ACCORDING TO YEAR OF SERVICE AWARD • 10 years: A barometer • 15 years: A clock • 20 years: Choose what you want from a gift catalogue (applied as of May 1, 2021)
IN MEMORIAM: SEAFARERS AND RETIREES WE LOST
• 25 years: A watch • Dawn Carnegie, passed away on September 24, 2020
• Peter Suffak, passed away on March 21, 2021
• Earl McKnight, passed away on November 12, 2020
• Peter Leonard, passed away on March 6, 2021
• Pieter Degroot, passed away on March 13, 2021
• Jean Legault, passed away on April 30, 2021
• 30 years: Choose what you want from a gift catalogue (applied as of May 1, 2020) • 40 years: Choose what you want from a gift catalogue (applied as of May 1, 2020)
The changes in the Service Recognition Awards Program are the result of suggestions from seafarers. We ask you for your patience and understanding as we perfect this new process. Please note that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, some awards under the old program for the 2019-20 season were delayed. Processing has been underway for the applications that were approved, and recipients should receive their gift at their home address shortly.
Remembering Peter Leonard, AB (Wheelsman), Rt. Hon. Paul J. Martin We were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Peter Leonard, AB (Wheelsman), Rt. Hon. Paul J. Martin, on March 6, 2021, due to natural causes while on leave. We offer our heartfelt condolences to his wife Rachel, his daughter Christina and his six siblings, including his brother Shawn, who works as G/P-A/B on board Whitefish Bay. Peter joined Canada Steamship Lines in the late 1970’s and began his sailing days on board ships like Black Bay, Jean Parisien and H.M. Griffith. He worked on many vessels over the years, but since 2000, Rt. Hon. Paul J. Martin had become his second home.
On board, Peter was known as a consummate professional and excellent at his job. He was also someone who cared deeply about the safety and well-being of his friends and colleagues and would go out of his way to make sure they were ok. Peter was thoughtful, loyal and kind-hearted – the kind of guy you could count on. After 40 years on the Great Lakes, he was also one of the best storytellers on the fleet with plenty of jaw dropping tales to tell, many of which have become classics among his shipmates. Peter was a friend to everyone, and he will be dearly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. Fair winds and following seas dear friend.
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N° 2 — Volume 1, 2021
CSL Photo Contest
SHOW US YOUR
SAFETY MOVES! Safety always comes first at CSL. So when we decided to launch our first Channel·16 photo contest, it was an easy decision to look to onboard safety as our first theme. Our “Show us your Safety Moves” photo contest challenges all Canada Steamship Lines seafarers to capture images that define what working safely on a ship looks like. It can be a safe act, the safe handling of equipment, the proper wearing of PPE, or anything that you interpret as representing safety on a ship.
THE CONTEST IS OPEN TO ALL CSL SEAFARERS. YOU CAN SUBMIT AS MANY SAFETY-THEMED PHOTOS AS YOU LIKE UP TO SEPTEMBER 1, 2021.
HOW TO SUBMIT YOUR PHOTO(S) 1. Email your photo(s) to PhotoContest@cslships.com by no later than September 1, 2021. 2. Include your name, rank, telephone number and email address.
A jury will select the top three photos based on :
The safety message it conveys
Creativity and originality
Quality and aesthetics
The winners and their photos will be published in the October issue of Channel·16. Prizes will be awarded to the top three photos selected by the jury as well as to the photo that gets the most likes in the CSL Safety Moves photo album on the CSL Together Facebook group page.
3. Include a photo caption or explanation. 4. Images must be high-resolution. Please note that by participating in the Show Us Your Safety Moves Photo Contest, you consent to CSL’s free use and reproduction of your photo(s) internally or publicly, in print or electronically.
HOW TO VIEW AND “LIKE” CONTEST PHOTOS You can view and “like” contest photos in the CSL Safety Moves photo album on the CSL Together Facebook group page. Once photos are submitted in the contest, they will be uploaded in the Facebook album.
CONTRIBUTE TO
CSL seafarers and their family members are welcome to contribute content and photos for publication in Channel·16.
WHAT CAN YOU CONTRIBUTE? Stories of life on board as well as personal achievements in your career, school, sports, or other announcements such as weddings, births and obituaries. If you would like to submit content, feedback or have an idea or suggestion to share, email the editorial team at Channel16@cslships.com.
Send us your news! Channel·16 is YOUR newsletter! Photo: Carl Tremblay