Captain’s contribution recognized by Queen

Captain Bob Kitching was presented with Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee Medal, some few months back. Captain Kitching might be a familiar name to you, for his long service to the west coast marine community, most recently leading the Maritime Education Associates, and being the financial backer and more importantly, vision, behind Western Maritime Institute (WMI).

WMI is a sizable, accredited, and Transport Canada approved, private maritime training facility on Vancouver Island, just south of Nanaimo. They provide deck officer certification training as well as all Marine Emergency Training (MED), and more. Previously, he was dean of BCIT’s Marine Campus in North Vancouver, and has been involved in numerous marine projects on the west coast of Canada for many years before.

The Diamond Jubilee medal celebrates the Queen’s 60th anniversary of her ascension to the throne, and has been awarded to individuals “to honour the significant contributions and achievement by Canadians”. Indeed, Captain Kitching is a deserving candidate for his tireless contribution to our marine community, through his vision and training initiatives over the years, when most men his age are enjoying a comfortable retirement. It is little wonder he was nominated by peers, and community leaders, to be awarded this prestigious recognition.

Congratulations Captain Kitching !

Capt Bob Kitching, at WMI