Raised in Toronto and later based in Milton, Ontario, Jaelynn Tyra’s introduction to the world of shipping came after more than a decade in the hospitality industry and a return to the hands-on technical work she first encountered in secondary school.

Now a third-year Marine Engineering student at Georgian College and preparing to write her 4th Class examinations, she took some time to reflect with us in this Q&A on her transition into marine engineering, the realities of training for work in the engine room, and how sea time with STQ Ferries and Algoma Central Corporation has developed her understanding of professionalism, teamwork, and responsibility on the water.

That move, however, became a pivotal moment in my life. At Malvern Collegiate Institute, I was introduced to automotive mechanics and welding, and I discovered a natural aptitude for technical problem-solving and hands-on work. After graduating, I spent over ten years in the hospitality industry as a bartender and server. While I valued the fast-paced environment and the diverse people I met, I eventually felt a strong pull to return to the mechanical work I discovered in Milton.

I find the most fulfillment in building or repairing machinery. There is deep satisfaction in taking a project from raw stock on a lathe to a functional component, welding, or diagnosing a complex engine failure. To me, the engine room is the ultimate workshop, combining my love for fixing machinery with a desire to explore the world and navigate the waters I spent my childhood watching from the shore. My goal after graduating is to use the communication skills I honed in hospitality alongside the technical expertise I’ve gained at Georgian College to contribute to a safe, professional, and diverse shipping community.

After several years in the service industry, I reached a point where I had outgrown my role and wanted something more challenging and fulfilling. Unsure of which direction to take, I began researching various trades and engineering programs, comparing options and exploring the courses, career paths, and lifestyles they offered.

When I discovered the Marine Engineering diploma program at Georgian College, everything clicked. I saw how it would equip me with technical skills, provide valuable co-op experience, and lead to a career working on ships as part of a “maintenance team”. The chance to work about six months a year while earning a competitive salary was an added bonus, but it was the work itself that truly appealed to me. It is essentially a moving city that travels the world.

I am now eager to enter the industry and gain the practical experience I have been working toward.

A typical week for me includes about 40 hours of classes, combining theory-based lectures with practical sessions. I work hands-on with marine equipment in the school’s power lab and the marine simulator.

This semester, my courses focus on naval architecture, automation and controls, applied mechanics, power plant auxiliary management, and electrical machines management, along with related shipboard operations.

My schedule is a balance of lectures, labs, and independent study. Outside of class, my classmates and I review material, prepare for exams, and stay organized to keep up with the program’s intensity. I must admit that the support and camaraderie of our group make the experience both manageable and rewarding.

My sea time with STQ Ferries and Algoma Central Corporation transformed my understanding of marine engineering from classroom theory to the demanding realities of the engine room. At STQ, working on dual-fuel LNG/Diesel vessels exposed me to the complexities of sustainable propulsion and the discipline of passenger vessel operations. Transitioning to Algoma Central’s bulk carriers offered a new perspective, focused on large-scale maintenance and cargo systems vital to global shipping. Also, my experience with Walter Hiltebrand Marine Services further strengthened my technical skills through systematic overhauls and mechanical troubleshooting.

Beyond machinery, these experiences taught me the true importance of the crew. On board, colleagues become mentors and a support system. Living and working in close quarters showed me that a successful voyage depends as much on teamwork and communication as on reliable equipment. Those interactions taught me that professionalism, mutual respect, and a commitment to learning are what keep a ship running and also that passing knowledge forward is part of our responsibility.

Ultimately, my sea time taught me that while technical expertise is essential, the heart of the marine industry lies with its people. I returned to my studies with a deeper respect for the responsibility we carry and a lasting commitment to maintaining safety and maritime culture.

The most significant challenge has been adjusting as a mature student to a highly technical, accelerated program. Returning to a rigorous academic environment required rebuilding my discipline and study habits from the ground up. I also stepped outside my comfort zone professionally by taking on leadership roles and speaking at events such as International Day for Women in Maritime and the Imagine Marine Conference 2025. These experiences helped me connect technical knowledge with strong communication skills, which are essential for a future officer.

Another challenge has been balancing the financial demands of student life with the intensity of the curriculum. In earlier years, I worked part-time as a bartender and server to support my studies. As I entered my final year, I made the decision to step away from outside work to focus entirely on my training. Marine engineering requires precision and commitment, and I knew that to meet both my own expectations and the industry’s standards, I needed to give my full attention to mastering the systems and diagnostics I will soon be responsible for on the water.

What interests me most about marine engineering is the essential nature of the work. Most people take for granted that goods simply appear, but about 80% of global trade relies on a small group of professionals who manage heat, pressure, and friction in the middle of the ocean. I am drawn to the fact that you cannot outsource a solution on the water; when a purifier fails or a pump loses prime, you rely on your own mechanical logic to find and fix the problem.

I have deep respect for the technical independence required in an engine room. In a world where most trades can order a replacement part, working offshore often means becoming the manufacturer yourself. Whether I am using a lathe to bring a shaft back to tolerance or fabricating a bracket to repair a door's skin, the work demands a level of self-reliance that is increasingly rare.

To me, engineering is about using what you already know to solve what you do not. That constant cycle of troubleshooting and discovery is what keeps me engaged and eager to keep learning.

After earning my 4th Class certification, I see myself sailing to build sea time and strengthen my practical engineering skills. My immediate goal is to become a competent and reliable engineer who can be trusted with watchkeeping duties and machinery operations. I want to keep learning from senior engineers, improving my fault-finding abilities, and gaining confidence in responding to abnormal operating conditions.

In the long term, I plan to advance my certifications and take on greater responsibility for propulsion systems, auxiliary machinery, and safety-critical equipment. Beyond technical competence, I aim to contribute positively to shipboard culture by supporting junior crew and cadets, just as others have supported me.

As a woman and mature student entering this field, mentorship holds special meaning for me. I hope to become a mentor for future cadets and students, especially women and those beginning their careers later in life. I want to foster an environment where people feel supported, confident in asking questions, and encouraged to grow strong engineering judgment. Ultimately, my goal is to combine technical skills with effective leadership and training roles onboard.

I would tell them not to be intimidated by the title “Marine Engineering.” Many people assume you need a technical or trade background to succeed, but that is not true. I came from hospitality, not a traditional maritime path, and found my place in this industry through hard work, curiosity, and persistence.

Marine engineering is challenging, but that is what makes it rewarding. If you are willing to study, ask questions, and take responsibility for your learning, the industry will support you. Effort is noticed, and hands-on experience truly matters. You do not need to know everything on day one but simply need to be eager to learn and maintain a good attitude.

This field offers more than a job; it offers a lifestyle, a sense of purpose, and the responsibility of keeping ships running safely and efficiently. You become part of a team that works with pride, and there’s space for people from all backgrounds whether it is women, mature students, and those new to technical work alike. If you are curious and motivated, marine engineering can be an incredibly fulfilling path.