SBC – Feb. 9th – Douglas Bancroft, OMM CD MSc – CEO, Canadian Scientific Submersible Facility

The Canadian Scientific Submersible Facility

From Ocean Science to Finding a Helicopter in the Arctic

The Canadian Scientific Submersible Faculty (CSSF) is a small company that has earned strong client support; by fielding a consistently successful team for operations and maintenance of  state-of-the-art ocean science Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROV) and support systems.  Strong working relationships have been established with numerous Canadian Universities over the decades, as well as international institutions and academics, e.g., University of Washington, Tonji University Shanghai, and Harvard.

In addition, support has been provided to the Government of Canada (e.g., Fisheries and Oceans Canada and Natural Resources Canada), the Korean Institute for Ocean Science and Technology (KIOST), the US NOAA, and GEOMAR (a German research support agency).

CSSF is proud that their ROV ROPOS is known as the world’s most capable scientific submersible for its capabilities, versatility, efficiency, and the skill and professionalism of its operators.  Our reputation is built on our team, the exceptional reliability of their systems at sea, and the ability to support multi-disciplinary science on single dives.

Operating down to 5,000 metres, we have 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.

With up to 2 tons of through frame lift capability, we have conducted pioneering work building cabled deep-sea observatories for both Canada and the US.  We have worked around the globe, including the Arctic, Antarctic, Pacific, Atlantic and Pacific

Our staff and equipment have also conducted three successful Search and Recovery Missions for the RCAF, the Canadian Coast Guard, and the National Transportation Safety Board.  One in especially challenging conditions in the Arctic.

Douglas Bancroft, OMM CD MSc 

Douglas Bancroft joined the Meteorological Service of Canada, Environment Canada in 1981, and then served in several weather centres.  This included Officer-in-Charge of the west coast Meteorology and Oceanography Centre; and later Director of the Canadian Ice Service, and Co-Director of the Canada-United States North American Ice Service.

Doug also served in Fisheries and Oceans Canada from 2000 to 2006 as a Senior Science Advisor, and then national Director of Oceanography and Climate Science.

Doug was promoted to Director General of the Canada Center for Remote Sensing with Natural Resources Canada in 2010.  He routinely served as Acting Assistant Deputy Minister Earth Sciences, and has briefed Ministers frequently, and the Prime Minister once.

In 2013 Doug left the Public Service and transitioned to the Private Sector and academia. Today he is President and CEO of the Canadian Scientific Submersible Facility; serves on five Boards of Directors and does aerospace consulting.  He is also the President of the Victoria Fish and Game Protective Association (a Conservation NGO with 5,000 members, 215 acres of facilities, and over a hundred yeas of history).

In parallel to his science career, Doug served in the Royal Canadian Navy (reserve) for thirty-eight years.  He has commanded six HMC Ships for various periods at sea on active duty, Port Security Unit Four and HMCS CARLETON (Canada’s largest naval reserve division).

Doug holds a BSc in Physics, a specialized undergraduate diploma in meteorology, and an MSc in Physical Oceanography.