Western Canada Marine Response Corporation (WCMRC) is Canada’s west coast Transport Canada Certified Response Organisation responsible for all navigable water in British Columbia, 27,000 km of coastal shorelines and waters out to the 200 nautical mile limit.</p
With over 2,300 members WCMRC’s mandate is to ensure there is a state of preparedness in place to mitigate the impact of any oil spill. WCMRC owns and operates 31 vessels and multiple caches of equipment that have been strategically located along the coast. As part of WCMRC’s prevention strategies the west coast of Canada has been mapped with both environmental and socio-economic sensitivities, and associated pre-planned strategies have been identified and developed.
To support the operation WCMRC has developed a network of contractors and fishers (FOSET – Fishermen’s Oil Spill Emergency Team), along with mutual aid agreements with other response organisations for support in the event of a worst-case scenario. WCMRC also offers a range of preparedness training (e.g. ICS), exercising opportunities and third party services.
With a distinguished career in the Royal Canadian Navy spanning over two decades, Mark O’Donohue brings expertise in maritime operations, leadership, and strategic management. Having joined the Royal Canadian Navy in 1999 as a Naval Warfare Officer, Mark has led diverse teams in both domestic and expeditionary theatres around the world. Notably, during his tenure as Commanding Officer of HMCSCalgary, he spearheaded successful operations resulting in the seizure of over $100 million dollars in illicit narcotics in the Gulf of Oman during the global pandemic.
His dedication to excellence and leadership has earned him numerous honours and awards, including the Meritorious Service Medal and the Chief of Defence Staff Unit Commendation.
As the new President of WCMRC, Mark will leverage his extensive experience to further enhance the organization’s capabilities in marine response and environmental protection. His vision and strategic acumen will undoubtedly drive WCMRC towards continued success in safeguarding Canada’s coastal waters.
Mark O’Donohue, GRN Executive Committee
President, WCMRC
