Captain Molly Kool icebreaker named for pioneering seafarer

A ship is traditionally referred to as "she," but in the case of one of Canada's newest icebreakers, it's fitting.

The Canadian Coast Guard held a dedication ceremony for theCaptain Molly Kool on Thursdayin St. John's harbour.

Myrtle (Molly) Kool was born in New Brunswick in 1916 and grew up on her father's boat, at a time when it was considered by many bad luck tohave a woman even step aboard.

"For us, she's a pioneer," saidJulie Gascon, the Canadian Coast Guard's director of operations.

Kool was the first woman in North America to attain the certification of master of a cargo steamship, paving the way for future generations of women in her field.

Gascon said it's fitting to see one of the three coast guard's newly acquired icebreakers named for such a woman.

"Her reputation was courageous and fearless. She even had a few incidents during her career, and always [she] came out with pride and safety," Gascon told CBC's St. John's Morning Show.

"She was focused, dedicated to her crew and she had a passion for the water."

She addedit was also fitting to have other female pioneers on hand at the dedication ceremony.

Gascon herself, as well as Gov. Gen. Julie Payette, and Lt.-Gov. Judy Foote,took part in the ceremony.

"Of course you all know her, but she's the first female lieutenant-governor for Newfoundland and Labrador, so how fitting that she's gonna be the sponsor for the Captain Molly Kool," said Gasconof Foote.

"We are so blessed with the presence of them both today."

For Payette, a former astronaut who was the first Canadian to participate in an International Space Station assembly mission and to board the station, the story of Molly Kool hits close to home.

"I'm pretty sure we would have gotten along, because I think she was pursuing a dream, she was pursuing a passion, something that she really wanted to do, and she worked really hard and accomplished it. And I really respect that," Payette said.

"She was out there because she loved being at sea and she loved what she did, and she said, 'Well, there's maybe barriers but I don't see them. I want to be part of it.'"

Sister on board

Thursday's celebrations capped with the traditional christening of the ship included a very special guest. Martha Miller, who is 93 years old, took to the podium in front of the large gathering of sailors and media to talk about her sister,Molly Kool.

"I amjust so pleasedto be here and to look at so many women in the navy. And, just remember, Molly got the law changed so you can be a captain," Miller said as those in attendancebroke into applause.

"You didn't have a chance. You were just ruled out as a woman.But, I see those tall walls coming down every year and we're getting there. I don't think I'll see the end of it, but I'll keep wishing you well, because you've done a marvellous job and I'm proud of every one of you."

Miller described her sister as being the adventurous type, divingoff of tall cliffs and swimming in ice-cold water while the rest of her friends would run for warmth.

"She was like that all of her life. Give her a challenge and she responded," Miller said, including a story from when it was time for Kool to write hercaptain's ticket and the instructors separated men from women, leaving Kool alone with two "special" officers from Ottawa.

"For two days they grilled her, on everything she had ever learned, and she obtained 100 per cent."

From there it took days for the law to change to allow for Kool to receive her certificate, but when she did she wrote a telegram to home, telling her family to call her "captain," Miller said.

Captains at the helm

The newly christened vessel will have two captains at its helm one being a woman.

"It's an extreme honour to be here, and to be a captain of a Coast Guard ship andfollow in the legacy of such inspiring women who came before me," said newly appointed captain of the vessel Catherine Lacombe.

Lacombe said the marine industry is still very traditional, but despite that women have come a long way.

"We don't have to take our exams in separate rooms anymore," she laughed.

Lacombe began her career at the Canadian Coast Guard college in 2000. She grew up on the south shores of the St. Lawrence River near Quebec City, and from a young age spent her life around ferries and fishing vessels with her grandfather.

"I grew up wanting to work at sea. It's a peaceful thing for me, but a little bit more hectic now," she said.

"I cannot sail this vessel by myself, so it is truly teamwork."

Set to sail

The Captain Molly Kool icebreaker is one of three ships recently purchased by Ottawa. Before being bought by the federal government, the 18-year-old vessel operated off Sweden.

It's home port will be St. John's, and it will spend most of its time in the waters around Newfoundland and Labrador.

If the first year goes well, Gascon said, the Captain Molly Kool will also be used to help do restocking runs to the Canadian Arctic.

And as for the tradition of calling ships by a female pronoun, Gascon said it's at least appropriate in this case.

"I'm old school, I guess. I know that it must be most appropriate to say 'it,' but I just can't come to terms with it. I've sailed all my career and referred to my ship as 'she' and sometimes I just do it without thinking," Gascon said with a laugh.

"It's a she."

The vessel is expected to begin operations by the end of June.

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