From family sailing to the Canadian Coast Guard: A calling that takes him to sea

June 15, 2026 - Defence Stories

Estimated read time: 1:32

MONTREAL, QC - Originally from the Ahuntsic borough of Montreal, Cédrick Paradis-Piché has just reached a major milestone in his life by graduating from the Canadian Coast Guard Academy. He is now beginning a promising career as a Navigation Officer -a dream that took shape during childhood.

From a very young age, Cédrick developed a deep connection to the maritime environment. Even before he was born, his parents already owned a sailboat. Each summer, the family would cast off for several days, sometimes several weeks. A 14-month ocean voyage around the Atlantic Islands in 2013-2014 ultimately confirmed this passion.

Even while growing up in Montreal, far from major ports, Cédrick never lost touch with the water. During stopovers in various marinas he enjoyed watching vessels, with a particular interest in search and rescue vessels such as the CCGS Cap d'Espoir. These moments gradually fuelled his desire to pursue a career with the Coast Guard.

Even today, this connection is nourished by simple but meaningful moments. In recent years, his parents have settled on the St. Lawrence River. Cédrick returns there whenever he can. He enjoys watching ships pass in the distance. In those moments, the curious child and the future officer become one.

Newly posted to the Canadian Coast Guard's Central Region, he looks forward to moving from theory to practice and beginning his professional life. Cédrick's duties will include supporting navigation safety, search and rescue, and marine pollution response efforts in the Québec sector of the region.

He particularly values the opportunity to sail in varied environments-from the Arctic to the St. Lawrence River-and working on a schedule of 28 days on duty followed by 28 days off. From his time at the Academy, his main memories are the immersive environment, the alternation between academic studies and periods at sea, and the strength of the bonds formed within his cohort: "Living and studying together for four years creates lasting connections," he notes.

Driven by his passion and strengthened by his journey, Cédrick Paradis-Piché is now embarking on his career with pride, ready to sail in service of Canadians.