Since its inception, the Canadian Scientific Submersible Facility (CSSF) has made it possible for ocean scientists to conduct research on the ecology of hydrothermal vents, sponge reefs and cold-water corals, and the geochemistry and economic potential of sulphide mineral and gas hydrate deposits, and to perform pioneering work on cabled deep-sea observatories. CSSF is a Victoria based, not-for-profit, globally deployed deep sea science capability consisting of dedicated science ROVs and support equipment, and specialist operators. Today’s ROPOS, is the product of over 25 years of collaboration with world leading ocean scientists, engineers, and students who continue to push its limits through innovative and ambitious projects. From deep-sea hydrothermal vent exploration to the deployment and maintenance of ocean observatories, ROPOS has become known as the world’s most capable scientific submersible for its capabilities, versatility, efficiency, and the skill and professionalism of its operators. The CSSF was established in 1995 by a group of Canadian university scientists to better manage and operate the ROPOS vehicle. Fielding a consistently successful team for operations and maintenance of the system, CSSF has earned strong client support. Working relationships have been long established with numerous Canadian University scientists, as well as researchers with Fisheries and Oceans Canada and Natural Resources Canada. In addition, dozens of international government and academic ocean science missions have been conducted for institutions in the USA, Germany, Korea, Japan, South Korea and China.
President and CEO, Canadian Scientific Submersible Facility
Facility Doug joined Environment Canada Meteorological Service of Canada (MSC) in 1981 and served in several weather centres becoming the Officer-in-Charge of the west coast Meteorology and Oceanography Centre. He became Senior Science Advisor at Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) in 2000, and was promoted to the position of the national DFO Director of Oceanography and Climate Science in 2003. Doug returned to MSC in 2006 as the Director of the Canadian Ice Service and Co-Director of the Canada-US North American Ice Service. Doug was promoted to Director General of the Canada Center for Remote Sensing with Natural Resources Canada in 2010. Doug retired and transitioned to the private sector in 2013. Doug is currently the President of EO DVC LTD, an earth observation consulting company, serves on three Board of Directors. Doug was appointed President and CEO of the Canadian Scientific Submersible Facility in March 2017. Doug served also with the Royal Canadian Navy Reserve for 38 years. He has commanded six HMC Ships for various periods at sea, Port Security Unit Four, and HMCS CARLETON (Canada’s largest naval reserve division). Doug holds a B.Sc. in Physics, a specialised undergraduate diploma in meteorology, and an M.Sc. in Physical Oceanography.
