Dr. Captain Sidney Hynes was just 15 when he decided to go to sea.

But it was the beginning of a storied career that would see him rise to become both a master mariner and a captain of industry.

Born in Harbour Breton, Dr. Hynes was fresh out of high school when he began as an assistant steward with Marine Atlantic.

At the age of 21, he became Canada’s youngest sea captain and found himself at the helm of a 180-foot offshore supply vessel.

He steadily climbed the ranks to earn the distinction of master mariner. And his deep understanding of marine operations acquired through years of hands-on experience combined with his strong leadership qualities led to a variety of senior roles in the shipping industry.

In 1986, he co-founded Canship Limited, which owned and managed a range of marine vessels operating worldwide and later expanded into naval architecture and design and marine consulting services.

In 2000, he came full circle to become chair of the board of directors for Marine Atlantic. When he became chief executive officer, he played a crucial role in modernizing the company that so many travellers depend on for passage across the Gulf of St. Lawrence.

During his time at Marine Atlantic, he was instrumental in the ferry service between Nova Scotia and Newfoundland being declared an essential service, which ensured the system couldn’t be reduced or disrupted.

In late 2007, rather than retiring, Dr. Hynes embarked on yet another adventure. He assembled a group of partners and led in the $230-million acquisition of Oceanex Inc., a shipping provider operating throughout Eastern Canada.

Oceanex now delivers 50 per cent of all goods destined for Newfoundland and Labrador and 75 per cent of goods reaching the Avalon Peninsula.

In 2013, Dr. Hynes watched as the newest addition to the Oceanex fleet, the Connaigra, left St. John’s harbour on its first voyage to Halifax. The Connaigra is named after Newfoundland’s Connaigre Peninsula where Dr. Hynes grew up.

The vessel has five decks, and each one is three times the length of an NHL rink and can hold 1,000 shipping containers.

Despite its massive cargo capacity, the Connaigra is more efficient than most vessels in its class – a sign of Dr. Hynes’s commitment to a more sustainable shipping industry.

 

The massive Oceanex Connaigra is 210 metres long and is seen here in Montreal. Photo by Sebaso, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons.

 

Dr. Hynes is an alumnus of the nautical science program at the Marine Institute (MI). And he has been a longtime advocate for marine education and training.

He’s the current chair of the Marine Institute Industry Advisory Committee, which helps guide MI’s strategic direction, ensuring that its programs remain responsive to the evolving needs of the marine and oceans sectors.

Under his influence, MI has strengthened its position as a leader in applied oceans education and training nationally and internationally.

Dr. Hynes’s advocacy has helped secure funding for key infrastructure projects, including the development of simulation technology and expanded marine safety training facilities.

Passionate about the sea and dedicated to professional standards, he has frequently spoken at MI events, sharing insights drawn from decades of experience and encouraging the next generation of seafarers and marine professionals.

In recognition of his outstanding contributions, Dr. Hynes was awarded an honorary degree by Memorial University in 2013 and has been named an honorary captain of the Royal Canadian Navy.

In 2012, he was named to the Order of Newfoundland and Labrador, and in 2024, he became a member of the Order of Canada.

There’s an old proverb that states, “A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor.” Dr. Hynes has skillfully navigated both the rough waters of the North Atlantic and the often tumultuous world of industry.

And through his dedication to students and professionals alike, Dr. Hynes's leadership and contributions are helping to pilot MI into the future of marine education.