Edmonton RPOU(W) co-op student experiences Navy’s Canadian Students at Sea program

June 17, 2024 - Vansa Chang, Sustainability Co‑ordinator co‑op student, Real Property Operations Unit (West)

The Canadian Students at Sea (CSaS) program is aimed at providing post secondary students with an immersive and hands‑on experience in maritime engineering with the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN).

I took time away from my job as the Sustainability Co‑ordinator co‑op student with Real Property Operations Unit (West), and applied to participate in the University of Alberta – CSaS initiative and was one of 15 students selected to attend.

I travelled to Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt between April 14 and 18, where I was given the opportunity to visit and tour Halifax‑class frigates, Kingston‑class coastal defence vessels and Victoria‑class submarines. Along with first‑hand experience on multiple warships, we toured the Joint Rescue Co‑ordination Centre Victoria, Duntz Head, the Fleet Diving Unit (Pacific), the Naval Officer Training Centre’s Navigation and Bridge Simulator, the Fleet Maintenance Facility, and the Naval Electronic Sensors Testing Range (Pacific) to understand more about the Navy’s work ashore.

Caption

Students taking part in the Canadian Students at Sea program onboard HMCS Victoria.

Photo supplied

The program fostered a positive connection between the University of Alberta and the RCN. Through this unique, first‑time learning opportunity, we were exposed to the various roles the RCN plays in their contribution to promoting global security in our vast oceans. I give a special thank you to all participants who experienced this one‑of‑a‑kind adventure and to those who made this outreach program possible, especially Lieutenant (Navy) N. Zach Lipinski, Ashwin K. Iyer and Torrey Dance, who made the entire experience engaging, informative and thought provoking. All participants and I received an unforgettable experience that will be remembered for years to come.