Youth on Board: Matt Lyon’s Career Path in Ocean Technology

Meet Matt Lyon, an ocean technologist currently based in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. Matt is currently working as a Marine Operations Manager at Sma’knis Maritime Safety and Security. He joined SOI’s Ocean Conservation Expedition as a Zodiac driver in September.

“The expedition was incredible,” he said. “It was a lot of firsts for me. First whale sighting, first time seeing the Bay of Fundy’s currents.”

Originally from Oakville, Ont., Matt spent many summers around the Muskoka and Haliburton lakes. He’d been driving boats for some time, but this summer, through his work at Sma’knis and SOI, he gained more experience. That included operating a vessel in open waters and also learning more about rigging, deployment, launching, reloading and offloading vessels.

“I think it’s important to know how to drive a boat and know the engine and throttle system,” he said. “Any work at sea requires small boat operations and having that knowledge can come in handy with any situation.”

Matt originally wanted to become a theoretical physicist and studied physical science at the University of Guelph. After realizing he was more interested in ocean sustainability and combating climate change, Matt got a graduate certificate in oceans technology from the Nova Scotia Community College.

“I remember being in third year and reading about ocean acidification and the loss of coral reefs and I realized it all related back to climate change and CO2 emissions,” he said. “That shifted my perspective, so I decided I wanted to work on the ocean.”

Currently, his work focuses on developing an electric, autonomous rigid hull inflatable boat, or RHIB for short. Thanks to the Blue Futures Pathways-funded Ocean Technology internship at the Centre for Ocean Venture and Entrepreneurship, he was able to access the facilities, mentors, and workshops to develop his career skills. The internship led to a contract position with Sma’knis.

“Sma’knis and SOI has given me a broader understanding of the types of jobs available to young people,” he said. “If I’m being honest, I didn’t know a boat operator was a career choice but being on the ocean has made it clear. I think if you’re interested in working at sea, or around the ocean, you should definitely check out SOI as they have a lot of engaging people who can help you with your career aspirations.”

Matt encourages young people to go to conferences and networking events, and ask advice from others in the workforce.

“It’s more about finding the right job and atmosphere for you.”