Ship Officer Profile

Glen - Chief Engineer
Canadian Forces Auxiliary Vessels (CFAV) Glendyne

Several years of sailing on large ocean vessels have given Glen the sea time and experience to be a DND civilian Ships' Officer. As Chief Engineer of the Glendyne, a tugboat that guides Canadian Navy vessels on entrance and departure from the harbour, tows barges, and assists in coastal mooring operations, Glen is responsible for planning, organizing and supervising maintenance and repair of onboard machinery and equipment.

He has earned a Second-Class Engineer, Motor Ship certificate through the accumulation of experience and the successful completion of a series of written and oral examinations conducted by Transport Canada, Marine Safety Division.

Glen likes the challenges and the variety in his job. "The part of my job I enjoy most is the challenge of trouble shooting problems and having to come up with solutions. Because there are many different systems on board, no two days are the same." Glen also appreciates the occasional travel opportunities that enable him to cruise through some of the most scenic areas in the world.

Captain Hugh - Young Master
Canadian Forces Auxiliary Vessels (CFAV) Glendyne

As Master of the 95-foot tugboat, the CFAV Glendyne, Hugh is responsible for navigating and directing the safe and efficient operation of the vessel, ensuring it is kept in a constant state of readiness.

The Glendyne provides support to the Canadian Navy by guiding warships to enter or depart the harbour, towing vessels, barges (a barge is a flat bottom boat normally used for the transportation of heavy goods) or gunnery targets, and assisting in coastal mooring operations (mooring refers to the act of securing a boat (normally using an anchor or cables) to prevent it from movin). As Master of the Glendyne, Hugh is responsible for the supervision and welfare of the officers and crew onboard.

Hugh holds an Offshore Navigator 1st Class Certificate (ON1) which qualifies him for the position of Master of a ship of unlimited tonnage on the coastal waters of North America. Hugh accumulated the necessary skills and experience for his certification through a combination of formal education, on-the-job training and mentorship.

On the Glendyne, Hugh enjoys coordinating the work of a team of individuals in order to achieve common goals.

In a career where many sailors go to sea for long period of time, Hugh enjoys a typical Monday to Friday workweek. He feels fortunate that he can combine his career on the water with raising a family: "The Department of National Defence is a sympathetic employer that cares for its employees and their families".