Captain Oscar Pinto Seafarer Welfare Excellence Award is Canada’s first endowed award dedicated to seafarer welfare
Canadian Anglican Archbishop John R. Stephens along with Captain Oscar Pinto, who was invested into the Order of the Diocese of New Westminster on September 25, 2021, as an honorary inductee for his outstanding service to the ministry of caring for those who work in the shipping industry and for his support of the Mission to Seafarers.
VANCOUVER
In a rare honour for a Goan mariner, the International Sailors’ Society Canada (ISSC) launched the Captain Oscar Pinto Seafarer Welfare Excellence Award, Canada’s first endowed award dedicated to seafarer welfare, on June 25 to commemorate the International Day of the Seafarer
Established with an endowment from ISSC Director Shri Madiwal, this award honours Captain Oscar Pinto of Ladner-Vancouver, a visionary leader whose mentorship and advocacy inspired transformative improvements in seafarers’ health, happiness, and well-being.
THE AWARD
This award recognises individuals, organisations, or programs in Canada that demonstrate excellence in:
1. Comprehensive Welfare Policies: Implementing best practices, such as innovative ship designs, enhanced onboard facilities, healthy nutrition programs, safe repatriation, and seafarer family support.
2. Significant Advocacy Efforts: Championing initiatives like seafarer vaccinations, fundraising, policy changes, or providing specialised health and legal services at minimal or no cost.
3. Proactive Support for Seafarers: Offering forward-thinking programs, such as flexible shore leave, efficient terminal services (e.g., WiFi, free transportation), mental health support, and advanced shore welfare facilities.
4. Leadership and Inspiration: Serving as a role model, mentoring seafarers, and inspiring industry-wide improvements.
The award will be presented annually at a major industry event, to amplify its impact and inspire the maritime community. The ISSC Board will select recipients, with the first ceremony scheduled for fall 2025.
THE PERSON
Hailing from Margao, Capt. Pinto began his sea career with the Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) in 1973, and worked his way up, getting his Masters and Command in 1982.
He joined Valles Steamship Company Ltd of Hong Kong in 1986, and then sailed onboard their various oil tankers as Master until 1992 before becoming Superintendent of the shore management team, responsible for HSE and HR.
He moved to Vancouver in 1995, relocating with Valles from Hong Kong, and has been an active member of the local marine community ever since.
THE ACHIEVEMENTS
Capt. Pinto sits on numerous boards, including as Chairman of the International Ship-Owners Alliance of Canada Inc.-ISAC (2005-present); Chairman of the INTERTANKO-North American Panel (NAP) (2014-present); Director of the Bord of Valles Steamship (Canada) Ltd (2002-present); and also holds an executive role as Treasurer on the Board of the Chamber of Shipping of BC (March 2019-present).
He has been a Director of the Board of the Chamber of Shipping of British Columbia for 6 years until 2018, and served in executive position on that board as Treasurer. Additionally, he sits on the Programme Advisory Committee of the British Columbia Institute of Technology (2013-present).
Capt. Pinto has always exhibited a great concern for the welfare of the crew with whom he sailed, and provided mentorship and support for all seafarers, especially those from his native India.
This background served him well as a Director of the Board of the Mission to Seafarers of Vancouver from 2000-2007 and 2010-2019 for a total of 16 years of service.
Capt. Pinto was instrumental in the establishment of the Roberts Bank Seafarers Centre, acted as interim Chair through times of transition, and brought his experience to the work of caring for the seafarers.
On September 25, 2021, Captain Oscar Pinto was invested into the Order of the Diocese of New Westminster as an honorary inductee for his outstanding service to the ministry of caring for those who work in the shipping industry and for his support of the Mission to Seafarers.
THE OUTREACH
Capt. Pinto and his family are active members of the parish of Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church in South Delta, supporting parish outreach such as that to temporary migrant workers and the homeless and marginalised around Ladner.
He has been a long-time member and Chair of the Rotary Club’s North Shore Chapter. Capt. Pinto has demonstrated effective leadership which has gained the respect and admiration of others. He has also demonstrated a deep concern for the marginalised and actively responded to their needs.
