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Oceans Advance Newsletter – April 15, 2025
We are seeking a highly organized, detail-oriented Administrative Assistant to provide administrative, financial, social media and membership support to the organization. As part of our small team, you’ll have an amazing opportunity to contribute to the growth and advancement of our ocean industry – provincially, nationally, and globally.
THIRD NOTICE
OCEANS ADVANCE INC
NOTICE of ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Thursday, June 19, 2025
Nominations are now open for five vacant positions on the board of Oceans Advance Inc. Interested candidates must meet the following requirements:
- Each nominee must be a current member of Oceans Advance.
- Each nomination must have two references via email (a mover and a seconder) and both the mover & seconder must be members of Oceans Advance.
- Each nominee must submit an email to Oceans Advance confirming acceptance; and
- Each nominee must submit a short bio and headshot to Oceans Advance to have your name included on the ballot no later than April 25, 2025.
Please forward your nominations to Shelly Petten at [email protected]
Nominations and supporting emails are required by 4:00 pm on Friday, April 25, 2025. A list of candidates will be distributed to the voting membership by Thursday, May 1, 2025 through Election Buddy.
Deadline to vote is Friday, May 23, 2025, at 12:00 noon NL
Member News
We’re proud to share that Edgewise Environmental—an Oceans Advance member and Board representative — is expanding operations to the United Kingdom!
This milestone marks a major step forward for the St. John’s-based company as they bring their expertise in marine environmental consulting to one of the world’s leading offshore wind markets.
We’re excited to highlight the latest milestone from Kraken Robotics—an Oceans Advance member and global leader in marine technology.
Kraken has just announced the launch of its Synthetic Aperture Sonar (SAS) service for the offshore energy market, providing high-resolution seabed data as a service. This new offering will support energy sector clients with detailed, reliable, and cost-effective subsea insights to improve operations, reduce risk, and enhance decision-making.
This is another strong example of a Newfoundland and Labrador company leading the way in global ocean innovation.
Marine Tourism issue of JOT
The team at the JOT has released its spring issue with a focus on marine tourism. There are many adventures to be had in the ocean and this issue highlights some of the technologies used to experience them.
There are articles on the ecotourism industry and the technology it uses to protect marine wildlife as well as how ROVs are used to improve water safety during high-traffic seasons and to explore the underwater world. Readers can take a stroll along the Atlantic Canada UNESCO Tourism Corridor and dive to underwater marine sanctuaries – without getting wet.
Learn about technologies used to monitor diving sites in the Galapagos and how the public can help with coral reef restorations. Check out a new podcast dedicated to the people and science of maritime archaeology, particularly shipwrecks.
For further information, contact the JOT at [email protected].
Events
For Newfoundland & Labrador ocean technology companies interested in attending the H2O Conference, please reach out to Shelly at Oceans Advance at [email protected] for information on some travel support.
The H2O conference offers opportunities to engage with local, national, and international ocean technology industries through exhibits, showcases, panel presentations, workshops, B2B meetings, and more.
Exhibitor and Partnership Opportunities
The Industry Showcase is always a highlight of the H2O Conference. Take in the conference programming, learn about new trends in Ocean Technology, and contribute to the conference by showcasing your offerings. Enhance your event exposure by joining the event as a Partner. Varying levels of Partnership Opportunities exist to fit your organizational needs. To learn more, please visit: Partnership Opportunities
Check back regularly for program updates and information:
Interested in new business and job opportunities in Atlantic Canada’s growing wind energy sector?
As Atlantic Canada’s offshore and onshore wind sector grows, so do the opportunities for local suppliers, businesses, and communities to participate in projects and reap the benefits. There’s never been a better time to learn more about how to get involved in the region’s wind energy development.
Join Marine Renewables Canada (MRC) for an in-person information session in each Atlantic province to explore the results of the Atlantic Wind Energy Supply Chain Assessment & Pathways for Supply Chain Development study, led by Xodus Group and a team of local consultants.
Sessions will provide a comprehensive look into the future of both offshore and onshore wind energy development in Atlantic Canada and what supplies and services are required to meet growing project demand. With a focus on enhancing local capabilities, these information sessions will address key questions and opportunities for businesses and communities in the region.
Click the date and location for your area to learn more and to register today.
SAC WEBINAR
WBE Canada’s Supplier Diversity Days are full-day in-person events designed to bring women-owned businesses, corporate and government organizations, partners and champions of supplier diversity together in cities across Canada. Attendees will learn about supplier diversity, economic challenges, and opportunities for women entrepreneurs.
Who Should Attend?
- Corporate & government professionals interested in supplier diversity
- Certified & non-certified women-owned businesses
- Supporters and champions of supplier diversity
Why Attend?
- Hear the latest updates on supplier diversity in Canada
- Engage in panel discussions on challenges & opportunities in corporate and government supply chains
- Participate in roundtable networking, where women entrepreneurs can pitch their products/services to buyers
Upcoming Training Opportunities from Gardiner Centre
The Gardiner Centre welcomes opportunities to work with members of Newfoundland and Labrador industry and professional associations. Our flexible training opportunities delivered both in person and live online facilitate learning that suits any schedule or location. In addition to the Open-Enrollment dates below, all courses and programs can be delivered in a customized offering for your organization.
Upcoming Training:
Supervisory Management Skills Program: Functional Responsibilities of the Supervisor *IN PERSON* – April 21, 2025 – April 25, 2025
Manage diversity in the workplace, problem-solve more effectively and increase your leadership efficiency. This is a module in the Supervisory Management Skills Program.
Feel free to reach out to Pearce at [email protected] for more information.
Opportunities
The Government of Canada has announced a comprehensive support package in response to the unjustified U.S. tariffs now impacting trade, supply chains, and jobs on both sides of the border.
From enhanced Employment Insurance (EI) for affected workers to billions in liquidity support for exporters, small businesses, and the agriculture sector, these measures are designed to protect Canadian jobs, keep businesses open, and strengthen North America’s competitiveness during a critical time.
Key highlights include:
- $5B Trade Impact Program via EDC
- $500M in BDC loans for affected sectors
- New financing through FCC and tax deferrals for businesses
- Temporary EI enhancements and Work-Sharing flexibility
- Relief from countermeasures under specific circumstances
- Support for market diversification and foreign investment protections
This is a must-read for any Canadian company or worker affected by cross-border trade issues.
We’re excited to share that the Women CyberSecurity Society (WCS2) has partnered with Google and Coursera to offer fully funded scholarships for the Google Career Certificate in Cybersecurity!
This is an incredible opportunity for women looking to start or advance their careers in cybersecurity—no prior experience or degree required! The program is recognized by leading Canadian organizations, including KPMG, MNP, Unilever, DataFinery, Helcim, Mosaic, and Shopify.
Scholarship Details:
📅 Application Deadline: Friday, April 18, 2025
📍 Format: 100% online via Coursera (24/7 access)
⏳ Duration: Complete in under 6 months (10 hours per week)
🇨🇦 Eligibility: Open to Canadian citizens
If you have any questions or would like additional details, feel free to reach out at [email protected].
Introducing the “Set Sail” Project!
Oceans Advance and COMPASS are excited to announce the “Set Sail” project! With this project, we aim to raise awareness of careers in the ocean/marine sector through hands on learning and experience and educate youth on choice of careers in the ocean/marine sector, including research, tech, engineering, transportation and environment.
The marine and ocean industries are brimming with potential. Students in this province are eager to make a difference and set sail on a career path in the ocean and marina sectors. The marine and ocean sectors are an essential part of Canada’s economy. We want to encourage youth to find their place.
This spring we will be talking to students throughout NL and tour educational institutions, visit companies for demonstrations on focus areas, host networking events, and perform follow-up evaluation to gauge opportunities. We’re excited to showcase the opportunities available in the marine industry.
If you or your organization would be interested in being involved or you would like some more information, please contact [email protected]
ICTC’s WIL Digital student wage subsidy program offering subsidies of up to $7000 per student returns this year with Summer applications being accepted beginning March 3.
ICTC’s WIL Digital program returns this summer, providing student wage subsidies of up to $7,000 for employers hiring post-secondary students in digital economy-related roles (e.g., software, digital marketing, and more).
The subsidy covers up to up to $7,000 (70%) for underrepresented students or up to $5,000 (50%) for other eligible student. The program is open to full-time and part-time students in full-time or part-time positions however international students are not eligible.
For more details contact Tim Perron at [email protected] or visit the WIL Digital Website.
CanExport SMEs and Oceantech R&D Partnering Delegation to France – June 2025 Call for Proposals
Expand Your Business with CanExport SMEs
The CanExport SMEs program, offered by Canada’s Trade Commissioner Service, helps small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) expand into new international markets by sharing costs for eligible business development activities. Successful applicants may receive up to $50,000 to support market expansion efforts.
The CanExport SMEs Program will be accepting applications, until May 31, 2025, at 5 pm EDT/6:30 pm NDT, for projects that begin on or after April 1, 2025.
Note:
- To better serve Canadian businesses and manage funding more efficiently, the CanExport SMEs program has made a number of changes to its guidelines, including a greater emphasis on export diversification, changes to eligible expenses, and new requirements for the validation of basic eligibility criteria.
- A new CanExport Applicant’s Guide will be available when the program is open to help guide applicants through the submission process. It is very important to follow the new guide when applying as program requirements have changed. CanExport SMEs Program: Applicant’s guide
The Ocean Technology Council of Nova Scotia (OTCNS), in partnership with the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and other Atlantic partners, is recruiting ocean technology companies to participate in a market diversification and business development mission to Asia.
Why Now?
As global markets shift, there has never been a better time to expand your international business activities. Have you considered the Asian market?
South Korea and Japan are major maritime nations with growing demand for cutting-edge ocean technologies. This mission offers a strategic entry point into two of the most advanced and opportunity-rich economies in the Asia-Pacific region.
About the Mission
Participants will attend KORMARINE 2025 in Busan, South Korea—one of Asia’s top maritime trade shows—with access to a dedicated meeting space at the Canada Pavilion for B2B meetings.
Afterward, the mission continues in Japan with customized B2B meetings tailored to each company’s goals.
Ready to Register?
$1,500 CAD + HST | Space is limited | Early registration is encouraged
Email Nick Quinn: [email protected] to secure your spot today!
Have news you would like shared in the Oceans Advance Newsletter?
If you have upcoming events, exciting achievements, or news you’d like featured in the next Oceans Advance newsletter, let us know.
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