To judge the impact Captain Ahamed Zaki made during his time at the Marine Institute (MI), all you had to do was listen to the speakers at his retirement celebration.

Captain Zaki’s colleagues and friends from MI raved about his professionalism, character, work ethic and knowledge throughout the gathering, creating the impression he had spent his entire career at the Marine Institute. The fact Captain Zaki had actually spent just 10 years as an instructor with MI’s Centre for Marine Simulation (CMS) says a lot about how many people he touched, personally and professionally, during this time.

“Captain Zaki is a true professional who brought many qualities to the Centre for Marine Simulation and the Marine Institute,” said Captain Christopher Hearn, director, CMS. “His experiences at sea, which include many voyages through rough and stormy waters, made him a valuable resource for students and instructors. Captain Zaki’s warm personality and genuine nature made him a pleasure to work with and we all wish him nothing but the best in the future.”

Captain Zaki began working at the Marine Institute following a 30-year career as a sea captain. While at sea, Captain Zaki achieved several significant milestones, including serving as the captain of the Canadian shuttle tanker that transferred the first oil from the Hibernia offshore oil field. Captain Zaki was also the captain of the first Canadian shuttle tanker to transfer Arabian oil to North America.

After experiencing some health concerns in 1999, Captain Zaki retired from his life at sea and came to the Marine Institute as an instructor at CMS. Although he was already a respected and trusted seaman upon his arrival at MI, Captain Zaki admits he felt somewhat uneasy about moving into the new job.

“I was at sea for many years and I was used to training people on the job,” Captain Zaki said. “But when it came to teaching … I was a bit nervous. I remember staying up until 2 a.m. preparing for classes the next day. I had to look at it from a different angle. I needed more material to give the students. I had to learn how to use tools like the library and Internet for teaching.”

It didn’t take Captain Zaki long to grow very fond of his job at the Marine Institute. Looking back on it now, he is proud of the fact he helped train a new generation of sea captains, first mates and other seamen.

“If not for some health problems, I might still be pounding on the Grand Banks. But things happen and you have to turn it around and make the best of the situation,” Captain Zaki said. “The health problem was a blessing, in a way. I was able to spend a lot of time at home with my wife and my daughter and I wouldn’t want to change that.”

Captain Zaki adds that wrapping up his career as an instructor at MI was fitting since he got his start in the industry as a student at the Marine Institute.

Born and raised in the Maldives Islands, Captain Zaki first came to St. John’s in 1965 to attend the Marine Institute, known at the time as the College of Fisheries. He was among MI’s first graduates and was one of the first two international students to enroll at the post-secondary institution. In 1969, Captain Zaki graduated with a diploma in Nautical Science.

 “The Marine Institute was the natural place for me to finish my career,” said Captain Zaki. “This is where I got my marine education and then I was able to make a small contribution here as an instructor.”

Captain Zaki plans to spend a lot more time with his wife Ena and his daughter Aisha now that he is retired. He also intends to do some travelling while dabbling with some hobbies he couldn’t fit into his schedule in the past.

“I want to do all the things I haven’t had much time to do,” Captain Zaki said. “I enjoy reading and I like gardening any time of the day I can get outside. I’m not a carpenter, but I’d like to get into it a little more than I have.”