Ocean Ambassador Program - Claude Nicolas

Can you describe what you do at Ocean Group?

I'm foreman for the Marine Works and Dredging business unit at Ocean Group. We're involved in dredging operations as well as equipment and manpower rental for specialized marine projects. My job is to ensure that our equipment remains operational and safe. Each day starts with a review of the tasks to be accomplished with my team. Communication is crucial for me, so I make sure that everyone is well informed and that problems are dealt with as soon as they arise.

Can you tell us about your career before joining Ocean Group?

I'm a heavy equipment mechanic by training. I worked for ten years in Nunavut on the DEW CLEAN UP line, a major project to clean up toxic waste from 21 former radar stations in the Arctic. After that, I spent another ten years in the Northwest Territories, mostly on the famous Ice Road. These were incredible experiences, but with shoulder problems, I had to put my tools away and move on to a job that better suited my situation. That's when I started working for Ocean Group.

What's the most memorable project in your career at Ocean?

A few years ago, we had a project at Delta Port in Vancouver that really opened my eyes to the scope of projects we can do at Ocean. The project involved building a dock with barge caissons for our tugs in Vancouver. I learned a lot on that site, and I continue to learn every day from what I experienced there.

WHAT MOTIVATES YOU MOST IN YOUR JOB?

What motivates me most is that we're always working on different sites. Each place has its own challenges, which makes the work really interesting. There's never a routine, and that's what keeps me motivated. Every day is different, and that's what motivates me every day.