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Oceans Advance Newsletter – May 13, 2025
Join Us for the Oceans Advance Annual General Meeting
We’re excited to welcome our members and partners back for the Oceans Advance Annual General Meeting. This is your opportunity to connect with peers in the ocean technology sector, hear updates on our initiatives, and help shape the future direction of our organization.
This year’s AGM will feature a keynote address by Andy Hoggarth, Senior Leader at Teledyne Geospatial, who will share insights on the latest innovations in ocean technology—from e-navigation and autonomous systems to the growing impact of AI. His experience in building global success from Atlantic Canada promises to offer valuable takeaways.
🗓 Thursday, June 19, 2025
📍 Johnson Geo Centre, St. John’s
🕣 Networking at 8:30 AM | Meeting begins at 9:00 AM
Spaces are limited—please register by emailing Shelly at [email protected]
We look forward to seeing you there.
Newfoundland and Labrador Teams Shine at Regional ROV Competition
This past weekend, the regional ROV Competition made waves with 34 teams and over 350 students from across the province showcasing their innovation, teamwork, and technical skills in underwater robotics.
A huge congratulations to Cougar Robotics from Clarenville High School and Shark Tech from Labrador Straits Academy for placing 1st and 2nd respectively in the Ranger Class category. Both teams have earned their place at the 2025 MATE ROV World Championship in Alpena, Michigan this June (June 19–21). They’ll be joined by Heart Innovators from Holy Heart of Mary High School, who secured a wild card spot in the same class.
These events are more than just a competition—they’re a powerful learning experience. The MATE ROV Competition challenges students to apply science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) to solve real-world problems. Participants develop hands-on skills in robotics, coding, electronics, and design, while also building capabilities in project management, communication, and teamwork—essential foundations for future careers in ocean tech and engineering.
We’re also thrilled to share that Eastern Edge Robotics (Memorial University / Marine Institute – Explorer Class) has officially qualified and will also be heading to Alpena.
Meanwhile, Wester Wave Robotics (Grenfell / College of the North Atlantic – Pioneer Class), a brand-new team this year, is working hard on their submission ahead of the May 16th deadline. Fingers crossed—we’re cheering them on!
Have Your Say: Help Shape the Future of Canada’s Fisheries and Aquaculture
The Canadian Centre for Fisheries Innovation (CCFI) is exploring the creation of the Canadian Fisheries Innovation Network (CFIN) — a national initiative focused on advancing innovation, sustainability, and competitiveness in fisheries and aquaculture.
CFIN aims to support cutting-edge research, integrate robotics and AI, and promote economic growth in coastal, rural, and inland communities.
The Newfoundland Aquaculture Industry Association is pleased to announce our 2025 Aquaculture Hall of Achievement Awards.
Nominations are currently being accepted for four awards:
- AQUACULTURIST OF THE YEAR AWARD
- EXCELLENCE IN INNOVATION AWARD
- AQUACULTURE AMBASSADOR AWARD
- LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT IN AQUACULTURE AWARD
Nominations must be received no later than May 30, 2025. (Please feel free to add a separate word file if there is more than one nomination.) Please submit your nominations with rationale in confidence to [email protected], c/o 2025 Hall of Achievement Award Nominations.
Join Us at the Ambition 2035 Summit – May 21–23 in Ottawa
Canada’s Ocean Supercluster is hosting the Ambition 2035 Summit, a national gathering focused on growing Canada’s ocean economy to $220 billion by 2035. Key sessions will explore topics like ocean-space tech transfer, smart ocean observation, defense and dual-use innovation, and scaling ocean companies.
We’re proud to represent Atlantic Canada’s ocean technology community on the international stage at the upcoming Ambition 2035 Summit.
Executive Director Shelly Petten will join global leaders including Ruben Eiras (Fórum Oceano), David Golding (Innovate UK), and Kendra MacDonald (Canada’s Ocean Supercluster) to discuss how international alliances and cluster partnerships can drive innovation, investment, and global impact in the ocean sector.
This is a valuable opportunity to gain insights on building successful international collaborations and advancing your innovation goals.
The Journal of Ocean Technology Celebrates 20 Years of Publishing Excellence!
The Journal of Ocean Technology winter issue will explore how Indigenous communities use ocean technology for growth, stewardship, and mentorship.
Guest edited by Ken Paul (Wolastoqey Nation), the open-access issue invites technical papers, essays, and short articles. Deadline: July 25 for all submissions and expressions of interest.
Events
Lead with Cultural Intelligence.
Empower Diverse Teams.
In today’s dynamic and diverse work environments, leadership is about more than giving direction—it’s about building connection. Return to Gardiner Centre for our new course, Culturally Responsive Leadership and Management, and take your leadership skills to the next level. Build on what you’ve learned in previous training and develop the tools to lead more inclusively, promote equity, and ensure every voice is heard and valued.
📅 June 12-13 and 19-20 from 1:00 to 4:30 pm, NST | 📍 Live Online | Instructor: Laurabel Mba
Why Culturally Responsive Leadership?
Organizations that embrace cultural intelligence and inclusive leadership not only build stronger teams—they also outperform those that don’t. This practical, interactive course equips you to lead with purpose and cultural intelligence. Discover how to empower diverse perspectives, champion equity, and elevate team performance. Inclusive leadership starts with you—learn how to unlock potential and drive meaningful impact.
What You’ll Gain:
- A deeper understanding of culturally responsive leadership principles
- Tools to identify and address personal bias in leadership practices
- Communication and conflict resolution techniques that honor cultural differences
- Methods to evaluate and improve your inclusive leadership impact
- Practical experience through case studies, group discussions, and real-world scenarios
Whether you’re leading a team, managing change, or developing policy, this course gives you actionable strategies to build trust, promote belonging, and enhance performance across diverse teams.Click Here to Register or Learn More
Fuel belonging and performance through inclusive, culturally responsive leadership.
Did you know?
- Register 4 employees in this course and get the 5th free!
- Looking to train your team? We also offer corporate training solutions – reach out for a quote.
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
H2O Conference Update: German Trade Commissioner & TKMS Participation
We’re pleased to share that Enrico Nake, Trade Commissioner for Ocean Technology at the Canadian Embassy in Berlin, will attend the H2O Conference in Halifax from June 9–12, and may be joined by representatives from TKMS (ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems).
TKMS is currently seeking advanced solutions in sonar systems (both active and passive), non-acoustic sensing, underwater communications, and AI-driven data fusion. Specific interest areas include high-frequency multibeam sonar, synthetic aperture sonar, low-frequency towed arrays, LIDAR, EO/IR systems, magnetic anomaly detection, acoustic buoys, and underwater cable-based sensing.
If your company has relevant capabilities and would like to explore this opportunity, please contact Shelly Petten to be connected for follow-up discussions.
Opportunities
Seaspan Shipyards Image
The Icebreaker Collaboration Effort (ICE Pact)—a trilateral initiative between Canada, the U.S., and Finland—aims to strengthen the design, production, and maintenance of Arctic and polar icebreakers. Established through an MOU signed in November 2024, the ICE Pact supports shared security and prosperity in polar regions, aligning closely with Canada’s Arctic Foreign Policy announced by Minister Mélanie Joly in December 2024.
Led by Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) on Canada’s side, this initiative encourages the sharing of expertise, information, and technical capabilities between the three nations. A Request for Information (RFI) has been issued and is now live on CanadaBuys.
🔗 Access the RFI on CanadaBuys
📅 Deadline: May 16, 2025
We welcome any feedback or questions you may have on this initiative—please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Upcoming Training at Gardiner Center
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:
Business Writing *ONLINE* (May 26, 2025 – May 28, 2025)
Learn or revisit the basics of business writing and improve your written communication skills. This course is beneficial for managers, supervisors and professionals who want to learn or refresh business writing skills.
Feel free to reach out to Pearce at [email protected] for more information.
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.
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
New CUSMA Compliance Resources for Canadian Exporters
What Canadian exporters need to know
Despite U.S. tariffs imposed on Canada under the United States (U.S.) International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), Canadian exporters can still benefit from duty‑free access to theU.S., if their goods are Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) compliant.
Being CUSMA compliant means that goods meet the CUSMA rules of origin and qualify for preferential tariff treatment.
What this means for your business
- Over 98% of tariff lines and 99.9% of bilateral trade with the U.S. are eligible for duty‑free access under the CUSMA.
- Canadian goods must be certified as compliant with the CUSMA rules of origin by the exporter or producer (this means the goods are eligible for preferential tariff treatment), and U.S. importers must claim the preference to benefit from duty‑free treatment.
Ensure your product meets the CUSMA rules of origin and complete a certification of origin
- Determine your product’s HS code.
- Determine if your good meets the rules of origin (product‑specific rules of origin are written based on HS codes).
- Complete a certification of origin (there is no requirement for this information to be provided on a specific form. It may be provided on an invoice or any other document.)
- Consider using a template certificate to avoid errors.
- Provide the certification of origin to your U.S. importer so they can claim the preferential tariff treatment.
- Request an advance ruling for certainty about how the good will be treated upon entry into the U.S.
- Contact a certified customs broker for additional support:
- For a directory of Customs Brokers in the U.S: Permitted Customs Brokers Listing | U.S. Customs and Border Protection
- For a directory of Customs Brokers in Canada: Customs Broker Search | CSCB National Office
For goods imported into the U.S., the final decision on the classification and tariff treatment of a good rests with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
Need help with CUSMA compliance? Call our support line at 1‑833‑760‑1167.
Learn more: Understanding CUSMA Compliance
Additional resources
- Supporting Canadian exporters through United States tariff challenges
- Learn more about provincial and territorial support and responses to the U.S. tariff situation.
- Get answers to common questions through self‑serve problem solving resources.
- Canada Border Services Agency: Exporting Commercial Goods
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection: Tips for New Importers and Exporters
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection: USMCA FAQs
Stay informed!
We’re updating key resources in real time to help you navigate the evolving U.S. tariff situation.
Do business with the world.
The Trade Commissioner Service helps your Canadian business succeed in international markets with export advisory services, funding and accelerator programs. With a presence in more than 160 cities worldwide, we can help you do business with the world.
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