The recipient for the 2014 Vancouver Maritime Arbitrators Association award is Deck Officer Brock Kitzel.
Brock received glowing reports from the Masters he has served under during his time aboard Canada Steamship Lines self-unloading and gearless bulk cargo vessels, the M/V Frontenac, M/V Spruceglen, M/V Rt. Hon. Paul J. Martin and M/V Salarium. He has acted as a valuable ambassador to the BCIT Nautical Sciences program, volunteering his time to take an active role in speaking about his experience at sea. Academically, Brock is at the top of his class with an aptitude to comprehend navigation concepts at a Masters level in the future. Prior to his marine career, Brock mentored young hockey goalies as part of the CVMHA Goaltender Development Program and received the 2010 slo-pitch tournament Most Valuable Player award. He was also promoted to become a manager at SportMart.
Captain Joseph M. Pero passed along this feedback as part of Brock’s seafarer’s evaluation: “Brock Kitzel has conducted himself well while serving under my command. He has demonstrated his ability as a very quick study, to perform far and beyond the duties of an up and coming young officer in a professional, competent and honest manner. He is eager to learn and executes all company policies. He has a positive attitude, is well disciplined, and gets along well with everyone on board. Brock has presented himself in a clean and sober manner at all times and is a good, reliable young shipmate. He is a pleasure to teach and I welcome him as 3rd or 2nd officer, as soon as he gets his certificate, on board any vessel I command.”
Brock has also been nominated by his peers to act as class valedictorian.