Robert Turner was appointed Vice-President, Operations, of the Chamber of Marine Commerce in 2017. Before, he was Manager of Navigation Safety and Radiocommunications at Transport Canada, the department within the Government of Canada responsible for developing regulations, policies and services of road, rail, marine and air transportation in Canada.

Mr. Turner has worked for more than 30 years in the marine industry, and has more than 20 years’ experience developing and overseeing marine safety regulations, policies, standards, guidelines and procedures at the federal government department and has for many years represented Canada at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) as head of the Canadian delegation for the Sub-Committee on Navigation, Communications and Search and Rescue (NCSR).

He also has been the ongoing Chair of the National CMAC Standing Committee on Navigation and Operations. Mr. Turner began his time at Transport Canada as a Ship Inspector and Nautical Examiner in St. John’s, Newfoundland.

Prior to joining Transport Canada, Mr. Turner sailed for nine years. He has experience on the Great Lakes and on international voyages, including several years with Canada Steamship Lines as First Mate and a season with the St. Lawrence Seaway as a tug Captain.

He is a certified Master Mariner and has an Honours Bachelor of Science degree from Western University, and a Marine Navigation Technology Diploma from Georgian College, both in Ontario.

Mr. Turner has been recognized for his work over the years at Transport Canada, including being the recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012.