Brian Silvester: Camosun’s Master Mariner

Brian Silvester was born into a sea-faring family. As a youth he fished the North
Sea with his father in a Grimsby trawler. At the age of 16 he left home and
apprenticed as a ship's officer in the Merchant Navy receiving his Master Mariner
Certificate in 1963. The following year he took the examination of competency for
Extra Master, something few in his field have done.

Brian shipped around the world in the Merchant Navy and later, closer to shore,
worked for the Canadian Coastguard. In 1971, after 20 years at sea, he took a
job as Coordinator and instructor of Nautical Training at Camosun College, a
position he held for 28 years. As well, he also taught related courses through
Camosun’s Community Education Services for several decades

Brian was passionate about marine education and training. Upon retirement he
formed a partnership with Capt. Bob Kitching offering marine training at the
Western Maritime Academy. In recognition for his service to the marine industry
Brian was honoured with a Fellowship in the Nautical Institute.