RENEE BOILEAU
e-mail rboileau@physics.ubc.ca  UPO Box 78531 Vancouver BC
604·727·7459
V6T 2E7  phone
Education
Bachelor of Applied Science – Engineering Physics (Mechanical)
graduated May 2002
University of British Columbia, Vancouver BC
 relevant courses:
Experimental Naval Architecture
Ships’ Resistance and Propulsion
Fluid Mechanics
 ongoing projects:
o Sperm Whale Acoustics (UBC Physics) – researching the functional anatomy of the
spermatic oil cache in the sperm whale to develop a theory for its stunning sound
generation
o Robo-Ray (self-sponsored) – invented a robotic fish fin for evaluating the
efficiency of different swimming modes (preparing a paper for SNAME, presenting
at undergrad conference this fall)
Sailing Experience
26’LOA Grampion fibreglass sloop “Midnite Café”
1993 - present
Owner/operator (single-handed and with 1 crew)
Range: Gulf Islands, Victoria, Sunshine Coast
Work done: maintain and repair rigging, plumbing, 12V/120V electrical systems, maintain
and troubleshoot 9.9hp 4-stroke outboard, climbed mast using Prussik knots, made a bosun’s
chair, train crew, clean and paint bottom on tidal grid, minor fibreglass repairs
112’LOA/68’LOD brig “Lady Washington”
December 1996 (10 days)
Volunteer crew
Duties included: working aloft, cleaning and routine ship’s maintenance, greeting the public,
standing watch on Marina del Rey-Ventura transit
28’LOA spritsail fishing skiffs “Sandpiper” and “Britannia”
Summers 1996-1997
Sail training instructor/operator
Work done: trained beginners in basic sail handling, took a band of merry pirates from the
Fraser River Skiff Regatta to the Sooke King’s Cup and Grays Harbor Discovery Days
92’LOA/68’LOD brigantine “Spirit of Chemainus”
September 1996 (2 wks)
Share-expense crew
Duties included: standing watches on 10-day Washington-California transit, assisting the
carpenter while at dock, answering questions from the public about the ship, minor ropework
34’LOA fishboat “Lydia”
1989-1992
Part-owner/operator
Range: Gulf Islands, Vancouver, Fraser River
Work done: rebuilt and outfitted 65-year-old wood boat for commercial longlining, replaced
ribs, recaulked bottom, stripped and painted hull, repaired hydraulic steering, installed live
tank in hold
30’LOA Bristol Bay hull “Fawlty Towers”
1986-1993
Part-owner
Range: Blaine, Fraser River
Work done: rebuilt and refurbished for liveaboard, painted bottom on tidal grid, painted and
caulked cabin, fibreglassed decks, installed propane hot water system, panelled and
upholstered interior, survived first boating trip exploring the Middle Arm of the Fraser,
learned to navigate and read tide charts
Marine-Related Employment
Mechanic’s assistant – Bakerview Service, Richmond BC
1988 (10 mo.)
Duties included: performing routine vehicle maintenance on gas vehicles including oil
changes, parts replacement, carb cleaning; rebuilding the shop roof and constructing a tool
shed; managing the station including scheduling and hiring
Caretaker/Handyjack
1990-1996
Britannia Heritage Shipyard
Duties included: teaching knot-tying and skiff-handling, running tours to Shady Island, oncall site manager, building a storage shed, repairing windows, organizing volunteer work
parties, writing the site operations manual, liaising with movie crews, setting up the shipyard
supply room, rebuilding the dock ramp for $1.99 using only stone knives and bearskins,
securing the site from flood, fire and local pests
Co-op student – Institute for Marine Dynamics (NRC), St. John’s NF
Jan - Aug 1999
 original team member on C-SCOUT AUV – designed hull, researched nav systems and
presented design for an underwater testbed for robust controls
 developed initial budget and assisted with grant application for C-SCOUT
Co-op student – BC Ferry Corporation, Richmond BC
May - Aug 2000
 debugged design, drafted and oversaw machining for a new high-tolerance shaft seal
 researched and applied WCB standards to lifting lugs for ship’s drive
 worked with trades staff to design a new heavy equipment trailer
Co-op student – Kvaerner Masa Marine, Vancouver BC
May - Aug 2001
 learned and applied finite modeling techniques to ship design
 used Cosmos FEA package to design and compare hoistable deck designs
 determined safety requirements for patrol vessels using Lloyd’s class rules
Skills
Management
 overseeing projects through from
concept to completion
 working with volunteer work parties,
tradespeople, ships’ crews, admin
 hiring and scheduling staff
 maintaining a safe work environment
Hands-on
 experience using most hand and
power tools including: drill,
grinder, saws, taps, soldering gun
 basic small boat rigging, wiring
(12V and 120V) and plumbing
 metal/wood/plastic fabrication
 troubleshooting gas engines
Other Activities and Interests
Volunteer, Bard on the Beach Society
2002
Ball Model Rep, Engineering Physics club
2000 - 2002
Volunteer assistant projectionist, UBC Film Society
1999 - 2002
While I am eager to apply my newly-acquired engineering skills, tall ships keep appearing over the
horizon. I find the right knot is the solution to many problems and I have been accused of inciting a
little shanty-singing. I also hold a private pilot’s license and I look forward to travel as an integral
part of my career.
R. Boileau
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