VMAA BCIT Award 2017

Each year for more than a decade, the Vancouver Maritime Arbitrators Association (VMAA) has recognized the hard work and effort of a single student graduating from the Nautical Sciences and Marine Engineering program, at the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT). It’s a rigorous four year program that takes registrants from ‘students’ and turns them into sea ready ‘cadets.’ BCIT is proud to offer students hands-on experience,  as shipowners such as Fednav, CSL, B.C. Ferries, DesGagnes, Oak Maritime, Algoma Central and at least two cruise lines, happily get involved, offering internships for many cadets aboard their vessels.

The VMAA offers an annual award to the student that stands out in their studies with particular merit in areas related to maritime law, arbitration and mediation. This year, at the Convocation Ceremony held at the Downtown BCIT Campus, proud parents crowded the room to see their young maritimers accept their certificates and awards.

This year, the VMAA Award was presented to Deck Officer Ali Hassan. Ali joined the Nautical Sciences Diploma program in September of 2013.  During the program he had the opportunity to work aboard ships with BC Ferries in his first sea phase and subsequently with Algoma Central Corporation on the Great Lakes. Prior to coming to BCIT, he attended UBC from 2006 to 2011 studying Engineering Physics.  Hassan has also volunteered for the UBC UNICEF organization where he organized fundraisers, helped in the planning of events and contributed at executive meetings.  He also was involved in the Reading Buddies Program assisting children with their reading and communication skills. Truly a hard-working, genuine young student. In his spare time, he is a fan of hockey, cricket, Formula One, chess and football.

Along with the BCIT Chair of the Board of Governors, the Associate Dean, the instructors, past Chair of the VMAA, Daryl Raibl, presented Cadet Ali Hassan his 2017 VMAA Award.  The Board wishes Ali the best of luck with his future pursuits within the maritime industry.