Marine Insulation and Architectural Outfitter Jobs in BC
When you think about insulation jobs in BC, marine insulation may not be the first thing that comes to mind. However, when you consider that Canada has over 250,000 kilometres of coastline along three oceans, it makes sense that insulating and building the interiors of marine vessels is important to the Canadian Navy and Coast Guard.
Keep reading to learn more about what marine insulation and architectural outfitter work entails, what types of jobs are available to our members, and how to apply.
Marine Insulation and Architectural Outfitting Jobs in Vancouver
When it comes to marine vessels, our members are involved in two main types of work: marine insulation and architectural outfitting. Our members work at Seaspan’s Vancouver Shipyards, which is one of the most modern, cutting-edge shipyards in the world. This site is the home to ‘Big Blue,’ the largest gantry crane in the country, among other exciting equipment.
Marine Insulation Jobs
Marine insulation jobs involve applying insulation to pipes, machinery, bulkheads, overheads, and other parts of ships to allow the systems to function properly, prevent corrosion, and to ensure the comfort of onboard personnel. Our current marine insulation work is with AlumaSafway, who will be employing up to 100 insulators for the construction of two joint support ships.
In conjunction with Seaspan and AlumaSafway, the Carpenters’ Regional Council (CRC) developed an Introductory Marine Vessel Insulation Training Program that provides our members with the skills and knowledge required for safely installing marine insulation. Our training centre in the Lower Mainland has a marine vessel mock-up that’s an exact replica of the vessels our members will work on, so our members know what to expect on the job.
Architectural Outfitter Jobs
Architectural outfitters in the marine and offshore construction sectors are responsible for the installation of interior modular wall panels, ceiling panels, doors, furniture, and equipment. Our members will also be responsible for millwork installation and outfitting the vessel with equipment for laundry facilities, galleys, fitness areas, and recreation areas. CRC signatory contractor Barrier Marine Services (Canada) Limited will require dozens of tradespeople and multi-skilled workers throughout the construction of an offshore oceanographic science vessel over the next several years.
In partnership with Seaspan and Barrier Marine, we developed a workforce and training program that focuses on wall-and-ceiling systems and window and door installation on ships so that our members have the specific skills required for this project.
Bringing Shipbuilding Jobs to BC: How CRC Acquired Marine Insulation Work
In 2010, the Government of Canada launched a $30 billion National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS) to revitalize the aging Coast Guard and Naval Fleets, which are vital for the protection of our coastline and oceans. The goals of this program include reviving Canada’s shipbuilding industry, providing thousands of jobs, developing a highly skilled workforce, and providing economic benefits to Canadians and their businesses.
Of this $30 billion, over $8 billion in contracts was awarded to Seaspan to build seven marine vessels at their North Vancouver shipyard, including offshore fisheries science vessels, offshore oceanographic science vessels, as well as joint support ships that, at 173 meters in length, are the largest ships ever built in Canada.
During a workforce performance review two years into construction, Seaspan was dissatisfied with its then-current insulation contractors and allowed AlumaSafway to bid on insulation work for the upcoming building of offshore fisheries vessels. This is where the opportunity for our contractors to acquire work in the shipyard began.
Using our all-employee agreement, AlumaSafway (who was primarily a scaffold company) expanded to create a qualified, free-flowing, and multi-skilled marine insulation workforce. Enhancing performance and increasing overall efficiency – crucial for Seaspan to win more work under the NSS.
How to Apply for Marine Insulation and Interior Boat Builder Jobs
Under the NSS, CRC contractors have been awarded work that will create more employment opportunities for our members. An additional 16 multi-tasked vessels will be built at the North Vancouver facility, and over the next 25 years, Seaspan will build 19 more vessels for the Royal Canadian Navy and Coast Guard. There will likely therefore be plenty of marine insulator and architectural outfitter work opportunities for our members.
If you are already a member and interested in marine insulation or architectural outfitter jobs, please register with our dispatch system to be matched with employer work requests that you are qualified for. If you’re not a member yet but would like to learn more about the benefits of joining our union, contact us today through a local union representative.
