Profile: Jeremy Stewart

Diving safety is a full-time concern

Nobody takes the plunge at Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) without a nod from Jeremy Stewart. As National Diving Safety Program Coordinator for DFO, Jeremy ensures that any DFO employee who spends time underwater returns to dry land safely.

“There is health and safety legislation that governs federal employees who dive for work,” Jeremy explains. “I ensure that all regional employees who dive for work are doing it safely and effectively. Nationally, it’s my role to help shape policy and build partnerships.”

Requires annual recertification

Jeremy points out that, although the underwater world can be an interesting and inviting place, it can be dangerous if procedures aren’t followed. It’s his job to ensure that both divers and their equipment are shipshape.

He might be a stickler for the rules, but Jeremy’s vigilance has meant no accidents under his watch, which began last year. In 2007, for instance, DFO divers made 2,898 forays into the deep blue sea, returning safely every time. 

Diving under sea ice

Jeremy’s work has taken him across the country, sometimes to very inhospitable regions. “I’ve been all over Canada,” Jeremy says. “One interesting thing I do is dive under sea ice in the Arctic.” When the water gets warmer, he can be seen aboard a Coast Guard vessel in the northern reaches of Canada, either diving himself or supervising teams from around the world.

In 2002, Jeremy joined forces with one of the world’s finest underwater photographers, Paul Nicklen, to produce a feature for National Geographic titled “Breaking the Ice.”

Nowadays, Jeremy and his dive team are playing a big part in a $40-million research project—the International Polar Year’s (IPY) Circumpolar Flaw Lead System Study. Its purpose is to learn more about the ecology of Canada’s polar region and help predict the impact of climate change.

Jeremy was also invited to the IPY diving workshop in Norway to represent Canada on an interdisciplinary panel. He shared his knowledge with other experts and, together, they came up with new strategies for diving in polar environments.

Passion becomes exciting career

Looking back, it seems that joining the Public Service helped transform a youthful passion into an exciting career.

“I have been diving since I was 12,” Jeremy says. “I started working for DFO when I was in university. “My experience in the Public Service has been great. There are so many opportunities for having rich experiences and for career development and advancement.”

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