CSSF (Canadian Scientific Submersible Facility - https://www.ropos.com/) is proud that its ROPOS system (Remotely Operated Platform for Ocean Sciences) is known as the world’s most capable scientific submersible for its capabilities, versatility, efficiency, and skill and professionalism of its operators. Since its inception, CSSF has made it possible for ocean scientists to conduct research on the ecology of hydrothermal vents, sponge reefs and cold-water corals, and the geochemistry and economic potential of sulphide mineral and gas hydrate deposits, and to perform pioneering work on cabled deep-sea observatories.
CSSF is a Victoria-based, not-for-profit, globally deployed deep-sea science capability consisting of dedicated science ROVs and support equipment, and specialist operators. Today’s Remotely Operated Platform for Ocean Sciences, ROPOS, is the product of over 25 years of collaboration with world-leading ocean scientists, engineers, and students who continue to push its limits through innovative and ambitious projects. From deep-sea hydrothermal vent exploration to the deployment and maintenance of ocean observatories, ROPOS has become known as the world’s most capable scientific submersible for its capabilities, versatility, efficiency, and skill and professionalism of its operators.
In 1995, the CSSF was established by a group of Canadian university scientists to better manage and operate the ROPOS vehicle. Fielding a consistently successful team for operations and maintenance of the system, CSSF has earned strong client support. Working relationships have been long established with numerous Canadian University scientists, as well as researchers with Fisheries and Oceans Canada and Natural Resources Canada. In addition, dozens of international government and academic ocean science missions have been conducted for institutions in the USA, Germany, Korea, Japan, South Korea and China.
Douglas Bancroft, President and CEO, Canadian Scientific Submersible Facility
Douglas Bancroft joined the Meteorological Service of Canada (MSC), Environment Canada in 1981, and then served progressively in several weather centres. He eventually became Officer-in-Charge of the west coast Meteorology and Oceanography Centre. He then accepted a promotion to the Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) in 2000 as a Senior Science Advisor. In 2003, he was promoted to the position of the national DFO Director of Oceanography and Climate Science. Doug returned to MSC in 2006, as the Director of the Canadian Ice Service, and Co-Director of the Canada-United States North American Ice Service. Doug was promoted to Director General of the Canada Center for Remote Sensing with Natural Resources Canada in 2010. In 2013 Doug retired from the Public Service and transitioned to the Private Sector. Doug is currently the President of EO DVC LTD, an earth observation consulting company, serves on three Board of Directors.
Doug was appointed President and CEO of the Canadian Scientific Submersible Facility in March 2017.
In addition to his civil service career, Doug was a member of the Royal Canadian Navy (reserve) for thirty-eight years. He has commanded six HMC Ships for various periods at sea, Port Security Unit Four and HMCS CARLETON (Canada’s largest naval reserve division).
Doug holds a BSc in Physics, a specialised undergraduate diploma in meteorology, and an MSc in Physical Oceanography.