THE GALA
This Year
September 23, 2026
Doors Open 4:45pm
Champagne Reception 5:00pm
Event Begins 6:00pm
St. John’s Convention Centre
Master of Ceremonies: Paul Antle
The Turning the Tide Gala is an event not to be missed! While awards are an important part of the evening, equally important is ensuring that every single individual and business attending experiences the energy of a true industry celebration with adequate time to connect with old friends and make new ones.
A red-carpet entrance to a champagne reception marks the beginning of a truly remarkable black-tie evening. An exquisite menu made extra special by fresh seafood donated by our partners in the fishing industry, is paired with fine wines to create an exceptional food experience.
With so many stories of our marine history told through music and song, this natural fit provides a seamless opportunity to showcase the tremendous proven and emerging musical talent of Newfoundland and Labrador to deliver an atmosphere that ensures we’re all gushing with pride at the end of the evening!
A History of Turning the Tide
Newfoundlanders and Labradorians have always turned to the sea for their livelihood. Communities have been built and fortunes won and lost on her bounty. Despite this long history, no event recognized the importance of the marine industry, its people, and its stories.
In 2017, the Turning the Tide Marine Industry Awards Gala launched to preserve marine history, recognize marine excellence, and support the accomplishments and innovations of Newfoundland and Labrador’s marine leaders.
Led by a dedicated board of directors and supported by generous sponsors, the annual gala presents five awards: Industry Leadership and Excellence, Industry Lifetime Achievement, Innovation Leadership, Historical Marine Significance, and Next Wave Leadership.
The Turning the Tide Award Gala provides financial support to the John C. Crosbie Interpretation Centre and Sealers Memorial in Elliston, NL. Through an annual donation, Turning the Tide guest support the preservation of marine stories and heritage in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Year by Year
2026
Event Highlights
Date: September 23, 2026
St. John’s Convention Centre
Master of Ceremonies: Paul Antle
Musical performances by: Rum Ragged and Evan Smith
Award Winners
The Industry Leadership and Excellence Award: Cougar Helicopters
Known for its focus on safety and continuous improvement, Cougar has built a reputation that extends well beyond the province. Through advanced training, investment in technology, and active involvement in global industry forums, the organization continues to influence how offshore aviation evolves.
The Industry Lifetime Achievement Award: Ray Andrews
Over the course of a distinguished career spanning more than five decades, Ray Andrews has helped shape the direction of Newfoundland and Labrador’s marine sector. His leadership across government and industry has influenced key decisions during pivotal periods, contributing to the development of fisheries policy, resource management, and long-term industry growth.
The Award for Historical Marine Significance : 16th Century Basque Whaling Station Red Bay, Labrador
Nearly 500 years ago, Red Bay was home to one of the earliest large-scale whaling operations in the world established by Basque mariners in the 1500s. What began as a seasonal base for hunting and processing whales became a vital part of an international trade, supplying oil to European markets and leaving behind one of the most complete archaeological records of early industrial activity at sea.
The Innovation Leadership Award: COPSYS Technologies
Copsys Technologies is taking on one of the marine sector’s most persistent challenges, how to better protect the assets that operate in some of the harshest environments. Since launching in 2020, the company has focused on developing new ways to extend the life of infrastructure, combining protection systems with real-time insight into how materials perform over time.
The Next Wave Leadership Award: Megan Murphy
Megan Murphy is helping define what the next generation of leadership looks like in Canada’s marine sector. Through her work with Sea Centric Inc., she is building capacity in research vessel operations expanding fleets, securing major projects, and positioning Newfoundland and Labrador as a hub for marine innovation and research activity.
2025
Event Highlights
Date: September 25, 2025
St. John’s Convention Centre
Master of Ceremonies: Paul Antle
Musical performances by: The Irish Descendents and Evan Smith
Award Winners
The Industry Leadership and Excellence Award: Ocean Choice International (OCI).
OCI stands out as a sustainability leader, industry innovator, and key economic driver in Newfoundland and Labrador, pioneering responsible harvesting, advancing processing and traceability technologies, and supporting thousands of jobs and harvesters across the province.
The Industry Lifetime Achievement Award: Steinar Engeset.
For more than 50 years, Steinar has been a trailblazer in marine sustainability, a champion of Indigenous inclusion, and a steward of maritime heritage, leaving a legacy that reaches far beyond business.
The Award for Historical Marine Significance : Heart’s Content Transatlantic Cable Landing.
Heart’s Content made history in 1866 with the world’s first transatlantic telegraph cable, leaving a lasting legacy of innovation, global connection, and marine technology advancement that continues to inspire today.
The Innovation Leadership Award: SmartICE Monitoring and Innovation.
SmartICE bridges tradition and technology, empowering Arctic communities with innovative sea-ice monitoring while advancing Indigenous-led cultural preservation, youth engagement, and sustainable development.
The Next Wave Leadership Award: Fabian Manning Jr.
Fabian is a visionary marine entrepreneur driving growth in aquaculture and fisheries, investing in rural communities, and mentoring the next generation to build a sustainable and thriving coastal economy.
2024
Event Highlights
Date: September 28, 2024
St. John’s Convention Centre
Master of Ceremonies: Paul Antle
Musical performances by: The Irish Descendents, Renée Antle and Bill Brennan
Award Winners
Industry Leadership and Excellence Award: Crosbie
Crosbie stands as a beacon of leadership and innovation in the maritime industry, with a legacy spanning more than a century. From its inception in 1900 by Sir John Crosbie to its present-day operations under the guidance of the fourth generation, the company has continuously pioneered breakthroughs in fishing practices, marine insurance, coastal shipping, and offshore oil & gas ventures.
Over the years, the Crosbie Family has demonstrated resilience and adaptability, diversifying its portfolio to include marine construction, real estate, and strategic partnerships both domestically and internationally.
Industry Lifetime Achievement Award: Chief Mi’sel Joe
As both administrative chief and traditional Saqamaw of Miawpukek First Nation, Chief Joe led initiatives to diversify the community’s economy through strategic partnerships in the marine sector. Under his guidance, Netukulimk Fisheries Limited flourished, becoming a major player in the regional fishing industry.
His leadership fostered 100% employment within the community and advanced cultural preservation. Chief Joe has earned a Honorary Doctor of Laws from Memorial University and is member of the Order of Canada.
As Strategic Advisor and Director at World Energy GH2, Chief Joe supports Indigenous, government, and community relations for the offshore industry.
Award of Historical Marine Significance: Captain Robert A. Bartlett
Captain Robert (Bob) Abram Bartlett’s seafaring legacy spans more than 50 years commanding some of the most daring Arctic expeditions in history. From his humble beginnings as a schooner skipper to his pivotal role as captain of the Roosevelt polar explorer, Bartlett’s life was marked by danger, exploration, and resilience. Surviving numerous shipwrecks and enduring months in the unforgiving Arctic, Bartlett’s determination and expertise propelled him further north than almost any other living person of his time. His expeditions yielded invaluable scientific data, photographs, and film reels that enriched the world’s understanding of the Arctic.
Innovation Leadership Award: C-CORE
C-CORE, led by CEO Paul Griffin, has been a pioneering force since its inception in 1975. Originally established within Memorial University’s Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, C-CORE has since evolved to drive innovation and provide research-based advisory services and technology solutions.
With a focus on mitigating operational risk and enhancing safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness in challenging environments worldwide, C-CORE is a recognized global leader in developing solutions across our oceans.
Next Wave Leadership Award: Jason Edmunds
Jason Edmunds is an Inuk from Nunatsiavut, Labrador. He is the only Inuit Expedition Leader of any cruise company in the world. He is Adventure Canada’s lead expedition leader and was recently
recognised by New York’s Explorer’s Club in their 2024 list of”50 Extraordinary People in the World” who are doing “remarkable work to promote science and exploration. These 50 individuals are exploring, inspiring, and creating the future – the future of the planet, life upon it, and the boundless possibilities that await us all.
With CEO Cedar Swan, Adventure Canada’s innovative programming, extensive training within communities and ports, generosity and commitment to making a difference in areas of conservation, cultural preservation and renewal, community wellness and economics and climate action defines Jason and Cedar as true champions and leaders in this industry.
2023
Event Highlights
Date: September 14, 2023
St. John’s Convention Centre
Master of Ceremonies: Paul Antle
Musical performances by: Evan Smith and Lady Cove Women’s Choir
Award Winners
Industry Leadership and Excellence Award: St. Anthony Basin Resources Inc.
With a visionary approach and community focus, SABRI creates enterprise, growth, and security on the Great Northern Peninsula. Through collaborations with fishers, plant employees, community, and economic developers, SABRI drives highly innovative research and development initiatives. They support economic development, explore ways to reduce waste, support fishing industry and infrastructure, and improve wellness for employees and the community. SABRI has achieved significant economic impact in the region, including the construction of an advanced cold storage facility, making St. Anthony an international shipping port.
Industry Lifetime Achievement Award: Bernard (Tanny) Collins
Tanny is a fourth-generation leader of P.F. Collins. He is recognized worldwide for his expertise in international trade and logistics in Canada’s Marine, Energy, Industrial, Aerospace, and other industries. Under Tanny’s leadership, P.F. Collins has provided integrated logistics services to all the major offshore developments. His expertise in customs legislation helped reduce trade barriers for critical elements of development, including seismic exploration, drilling operations, and immigration for temporary foreign workers. Tanny dedicates support for Memorial University, Junior Achievement, the Royal St. John’s Regatta, and many other causes.
Award of Historical Marine Significance: Royal Commission on the Ocean Ranger Marine Disaster
The loss of the Ocean Ranger and its crew was a marine catastrophe of momentous impact on the marine culture of Newfoundland and Labrador. After the loss, the Royal Commission was responsible for determining causes and creating the foundation for major improvements in offshore safety. Through their work at a time of grief and sadness, the industry has developed and implemented a safety culture that pervades all operations and activities, impacting safety throughout the world.
Innovation Leadership Award: eDNAtec
eDNAtec is revolutionizing the biological and environmental sciences globally. eDNAtec is transforming data with such high precision and accuracy that it enables views of the environment that were previously impossible. They provide innovative, flexible, and scalable solutions to support the life cycle of ocean-based enterprises globally. As sustainability andclimate crises compound and affect marine industries, eDNA provides accessible environmental insights to solve some of our biggest challenges in environmental genomics. Their technologies and solutions impact biodiversity, habitat loss, sustainable growth, and the blue marine economy.
Next Wave Leadership Award: Samantha Strowbridge
Samantha is the first female offshore captain or master with Atlantic Towing. Through her career, she has served as a role model for other women and men pursuing opportunities in the marine industries. She has received the Marine Institute’s Bronze Medal for Nautical Science, the Marine Institutes Governor General Medal, and her Master Mariner Certificate of Competency. Through her professional and educational success, she breaks down barriers and supports a stronger, more diverse future in the marine industry.
2022
Event Highlights
Date: September 22, 2022
St. John’s Convention Centre
Master of Ceremonies: Matt Wright
Musical performances by: Selections from No Change in the Weather: A Newfoundland Musical, Terra Bruce Productions
Award Winners
Industry Leadership and Excellence Award: Labrador Fisherman’s Union Shrimp Company
The Labrador Fishermen’s Union Shrimp Company has evolved into an industry leader with a presence in five Labrador communities, from L’Anse au Clair to Cartwright. Its fleet, comprising inshore, mid-shore vessels, and the cutting-edge MV Osprey III, operates along the Labrador coastline up to Baffin Island and Nunavut. With significant investments in infrastructure, it now serves over 600 fish harvesters and employs around 450 individuals, with more than 70% being Indigenous. Renowned for its high-quality seafood, the company is a leading producer of various North Atlantic species, including shrimp, shellfish, groundfish, and pelagics.
Industry Lifetime Achievement Award: Honourable Richard Cashin
The Honourable Richard Cashin, a prominent labour leader, made lasting contributions to the rights of inshore fish harvesters, which continue to impact the industry today. His advocacy transformed rural Newfoundland and Labrador, empowering fish harvesters to negotiate fair prices and improving working conditions in fish plants and trawlers. As a result, professional fish harvesters now drive rural economies, supporting local development and families. In 2019, Cashin was invested into the Order of Newfoundland and Labrador
Award of Historical Marine Significance: Crow’s Nest
The Crow’s Nest is a private club that has operated for 70 years. Beginning as a club for visiting and stationed Navy Officers during World War II, the Crow’s Nest is rich in history. The Club has become a museum, housing hundreds of military artifacts, and is listed as a National Historic Site. Provincially, the Historic Sites Association of Newfoundland and Labrador has presented to the Club the Manning Award for Excellence in the Public Presentation of Historic Places.
Innovation Leadership Award: Virtual Marine
Virtual Marine specializes in cutting-edge maritime safety training simulators, offering hands-on, realistic, and risk-free training experiences. Recognizing Newfoundland and Labrador’s harsh offshore environment, the company aims to provide the most realistic simulations to enhance the safety training of offshore workers. Virtual Marine’s global expansion includes a training center in Scotland, catering to clients worldwide and influencing offshore safety culture in areas with underdeveloped regulations.
New Wave Leadership Award: Jasmine Saunders
As a young Indigenous woman, Jasmine Saunders has been pivotal in establishing connections with Indigenous partners in the marine industry, particularly in cadet recruitment and advancement. Joining Horizon Maritime as an HR Coordinator in 2021, she focused on developing a cadet program on the Polar Prince, engaging with Indigenous communities nationwide to identify candidates. Her dedication and contributions have been essential in developing Miawpukek Horizon, strengthening crewing partnerships, and pursuing projects beneficial to both Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities.
2021
Event Highlights
Date: September 21, 2021
St. John’s Convention Centre
Master of Ceremonies: Paul Antle and Robin Quinlan
Musical performances by: Selections from No Change in the Weather: A Newfoundland Musical, Terra Bruce Productions
Award Winners
Industry Leadership and Excellence Award: A. Harvey & Company
From humble beginnings in 1865 to a household name, A. Harvey & Company Ltd. has been serving the people of Newfoundland and Labrador for more than 150 years. Under the direction of matriarch Susan Patten, A. Harvey & Company Ltd. enjoys the distinction of being one of our province’s most historic and diversified firms and is a vital and integral part of the Newfoundland and Labrador economy.
Industry Lifetime Achievement Award: Bruce Wareham
As the head of the family-run business Icewater Seafood, Bruce Wareham was ahead of his time. His career in the seafood industry spanned 55 years, and his hallmark hard work and tenacity were the driving force behind the successful building and operation of a state-of-the-art groundfish processing facility. A respected and long-serving member of the Canadian Centre for Fisheries Innovation and the National Seafood Sector Council, his soft-spoken wisdom and commitment to industry stability and sustainability was second to none.
Award of Historical Marine Significance: Grenfell Mission Medical Vessels
Dr. Grenfell himself acquired the large medical vessel Strathcona in 1899, named for mission donor and first Baron Strathcona, Sir Donald Smith. The ship was one of the world’s first to carry x-ray equipment, and also contained a dispensary, emergency cots, and space for a mission hall. The Strathcona steamed as much as 3,000 miles in a year to support the many fishing villages, along the Coast of Labrador, and more than 4,000 patients were treated in places where medical care was non-existent at the time.
Innovation Leadership Award: Genoa Design
Genoa Design International has provided production lofting, detail design and 3D modeling services to shipbuilding and offshore industries since 1995. Their many successes are a result of a “people first” approach supported by the establishment of the “Genoa Academy”. Genoa Design has grown to an international operation with more than 100 employees throughout Canada and the United States. Innovative strategies and cutting-edge technologies have made them one of the most sought-after production design firms in North America.
New Wave Leadership Award: Melissa Williams
As the youngest female leader at Canada’s oldest port, Melissa Williams contributes to a broad cross section of partnerships of the Port Authority. Well known for her support of the local marine industry, she was awarded the Commanding Officers Commendation for outstanding support to the Royal Canadian Navy. Through her contributions to program development at the Marine Institute, she has become a role model in the marine sector, as she supports and encourages the education and development of future leaders in the marine industry.
2019
Event Highlights
Date: April 4, 2019
Delta Hotel St. John’s
Master of Ceremonies: Chris Collingwood
Musical performances by: Various performers
Award Winners
Industry Leadership and Excellence Award: Oceanex
Oceanex has provided service to Newfoundland and Labrador for more than 100 years. In 2007, the company was privatized and the new ownership, led by Managing Partner, Captain Sid Hynes, has taken the company to the next level, building it into one of the most successful transportation enterprises in Eastern Canada. The 400 employees at Oceanex deliver approximately 45% of all the freight that comes to the island. Oceanex has demonstrated entrepreneurship, leadership and innovation in expanding its service offerings, in its investment in new equipment and technology and in caring about people, safety, and the environment.
Industry Lifetime Achievement Award: Fraser Edison
Fraser Edison has mapped a life-long career in the marine industry, beginning in intermodal transportation in Montreal and Newfoundland and Labrador. That eventually led him to participation it two successful offshore oil and gas developments and several investments in fledgling marine technology start-ups. Mr. Edison also has a history of giving back to the community through his pioneering efforts with NOIA and his decades of commitment to Easter Seals and countless other charities.
Award of Historical Marine Significance: CBC Land and Sea
CBC Land and Sea is a documentary television program that, for 54 years, has been preserving and telling the untold stories that define the rich history of Newfoundland and Labrador. Land and Sea has taken thousands of people from their living rooms to every corner of our province. Journeys that ensure we all value our rich history and the culture. Many great journalists have been involved in Land and Sea, sharing a healthy and genuine curiosity and high journalistic integrity in finding and sharing stories.
Innovation Leadership Award: Kraken Robotics
Kraken Robotics has directed its energies to a deep dive below the surface to change how we look at the undersea world. In both civilian and military markets, Kraken Robotics is now an world leader in the innovative use of Synthetic Aperture Sonar (SAS) and underwater imaging technology to dramatically improve the image resolution and coverage possible with seabed surveys.
2018
Event Highlights
Date: April 19, 2018
St. John’s Convention Centre
Master of Ceremonies: Paul Antle
Musical performances by: The Vertigo Quartet
Award Winners
Industry Leadership and Excellence Award: Atlantic Towing Ltd.
With more than 50 years of experience in the marine industry Atlantic Towing has done what it takes to be a successful leader in the internationally competitive Newfoundland and Labrador offshore. They invested in state-of-the-art offshore supply and specialty support vessels and the people and operational culture needed to deliver consistently on their contracts safely and professionally in one of the harshest marine environments in the world. The ten vessels Atlantic Towing deploys speak volumes to the confidence the operators have placed in them.
Industry Lifetime Achievement Award: Chesley Penney, Sr.
Ches Penney’s fascination with Newfoundland and Labrador’s marine industry is a remarkable story of ship repair, offshore oil and gas, and our traditional fishing industry. Like all his efforts, an optimistic nature and a signature belief in the people of Newfoundland and Labrador underpinned successes that he took to the next level in the marine industry. Leaders give back in ways that extend beyond their obligations. Ches did that in countless ways perhaps best acknowledged in his Order of Canada and Order of Newfoundland inductions.
Award of Historical Marine Significance: Captain William Jackman
On October 9, 1867, Captain William Jackman anchored in Spotted Island, Labrador to avoid rough weather. What transpired from there is a story of bravery and selflessness. Captain Jackman saw a small fishing schooner in distress. He plunged into the ocean, swimming to and from the schooner 27 times to rescue those onboard, carrying each man on his back to the safety of the shore. In 1868, Captain William Jackman was presented with the British Royal Humane Society Silver Medal for his heroism. Captain Willian Jackman died a young man. Some say he never recovered from the strain of his heroic act. For his heroism and for displaying that strength of character so typical of Great Newfoundland Captains, William Jackman deserves this award of Historical recognition.
2017
Event Highlights
St. John’s Convention Centre
Master of Ceremonies: Paul Antle
Musical performances by: Matthew Byrne, Sean Panting, Dana Parsons, Con O’Brien, Bob Hallett, Kelly Russell, and Chris Batstone & Adam Staple
Special In Memoriam Tribute to the Honourable Mr. John C. Crosbie, Patron of the Home from The Sea campaign
Award Winners
Industry Leadership and Excellence Award: Provincial Aerospace – Maritime Surveillance Division
PAL Aerospace is a diversified international aerospace and defence company with more than four decades of operations. Through expertise and innovation, they have made significant contributions to the safety and security of our marine industry. Significant activities include custom aircraft design and modification, search and rescue solutions, mission system design and integration, and mission operations, training, and integrated logistics support.
Industry Lifetime Achievement Award: Pat Quinlan, Quinlan
Pat Quinlan has been an influential member of our marine industry since 1954, when he and his brother began their journey by turning a small grocery and dry goods business in Bay de Verde into a fish processing operation. At the time of this event, Pat Quinlan was still the president of Quinlan, a business that has grown into a multi-species player in the global fishing industry with more than 500 staff, exporting quality products to more than twenty countries worldwide.
Award of Historical Marine Significance: Town of Battle Harbour
An important location for Indigenous peoples, English settlers arrived at Battle Harbour in the 1700s.In the two centuries following their arrival, the English transformed the location into a salt fishing community and the unofficial capital of Labrador. As the population grew, so did the amenities of the town, many of which were significant developments for the region and the province. Today, these elements have been restored and preserved, making Battle Harbour a window into the past and one of the world’s most unique island getaways.
Trophy Artist Spotlight
Each Turning the Tide Marine Industry Award recipient receives a hand-crafted sculpture from local artisan, Ray Cox. These awards are as unique as their significant contributions. The pewter masterpieces are made through a signature process distinctive in Ray’s work. At his studio in Quidi Vidi Village, Ray builds pieces appreciated worldwide.
Turning the Tide is proud to offer such striking art pieces to each winner. Learn more about Ray and his work: quidividipewter.com/
