Rebecca Marshall is a Campbell River native and recent graduate of Camosun College, having received her Red Seal certification as a Professional Cook. She is also the first recipient of Atlantic Towing’s first Culinary Program scholarship, a $6,000 financial award intended to cover the cost of tuition for the program, spanning the apprenticeship and technical training. Atlantic Towing recently announced funding for two recurring scholarships for Camosun College students in either its culinarily or marine studies programs, with a preference for Indigenous students. 

We recently connected with Rebecca to learn more about her experience and goals following graduation and as she begins a cadetship as a Marine Cook with Atlantic Towing, sailing BC’s coastal waters. 

What are you most looking forward to in your placement? 

I am most looking forward to being on the open water, making some tasty meals, and seeing more of Vancouver Island's coast from a different perspective. 

What drew you to this program? 

I think that this will be the perfect opportunity to put into practice the skills and techniques I developed during my apprenticeship. On my work term I'll have to rely on myself and my knowledge with only the Chief Cook’s guidance and I think it will be a great confidence booster.

Have you always wanted a career at sea? Did someone/something inspire you? 

Even last year I hadn't considered the possibility but when the opportunity presented itself and I began to visualize what it could be like, the chance to head out and try something completely different was one I couldn't let pass by. I wish I had thought about this awesome style of culinary job earlier!

What do you love to do in your spare time?

I enjoy cooking at home for family and friends, volunteering with food-and-nutrition related programs such as Lifecycles' 'Growing Chefs', and spending time beside a river with a good novel. 

What does this scholarship mean to you?

This scholarship means that I can attend Western Maritime Institute to complete my MED Domestic Vessel Safety course this January as well as pay off a portion of my student loan, for which I am very grateful. Thank you, Atlantic Towing!

…

Now weeks into Rebecca’s term aboard the Atlantic Raven, crew members are thrilled with her ability and skill. 

“She is great… a fabulous chef,” said Craig Comeau, Master of the Atlantic Raven in a recent phone conversation. “She has her Red Seal and makes different things for the crew [like biscotti], and she’s working closely with Rob Pierce, a marine cook with over 25 years’ experience. Rob commented to me that having Rebecca around is brining him back to his roots and training, while he’s able to share tricks of the trade and his own expertise with her.”

The company also maintains Indigenous partnerships on Canada’s East Coast, with cooperation agreements in place with the Millbrook & Eskasoni bands, based in Nova Scotia, and through supporting two Eskasoni cadets currently serving terms with the Atlantic Towing’s coastal harbour fleet.