The Canadian Nautical Research Society (CNRS; French: Société canadienne pour la recherche nautique, SCRN) is a Canadian nonprofit organization established to promote and support nautical research and the study of Canada’s maritime heritage. Originally founded as the Canadian Society for the Promotion of Nautical Research, it was incorporated under its current name on October 25, 1984, and shortly thereafter attained registered charity status.

Objectives and Activities

The main objectives of the CNRS are:

• To promote nautical research in Canada.
• To disseminate the results of such research.
• To encourage awareness and appreciation of Canadian and global maritime heritage.

To accomplish these goals, the Society engages in various activities including the organization of conferences, the presentation of research findings, and the publication of scholarly materials. It acts as the Canadian national sub-commission to the International Commission for Maritime History (ICMH), facilitating international cooperation in maritime historical studies.

Publications

The CNRS publishes a quarterly journal, The Northern Mariner/Le marin du nord, in association with the North American Society for Oceanic History. This journal is devoted to the study of maritime affairs and inland waterways of countries bordering the northern hemisphere. In addition, the Society produces a quarterly newsletter, Argonauta, to keep members informed on news and developments in the field.

Awards and Recognition

The Society recognizes outstanding contributions to nautical research through several awards:

• Jacques Cartier MA Prize in Maritime Affairs: awarded annually to encourage graduate-level research in maritime studies.
• Gerry Panting Award: a bursary enabling a young scholar to attend the annual CNRS conference and present their research.
• Keith Matthews Awards: named after the Society’s first President, these awards honor exceptional publications in nautical research.

Membership and Community

The CNRS welcomes members from diverse disciplines related to maritime studies, including history, archaeology, anthropology, geography, ecology, literature, and political economy. The Society encourages student and early career researcher involvement through reduced membership rates and support for interdisciplinary approaches.

By fostering research and dissemination of knowledge, the Canadian Nautical Research Society plays a central role in preserving and promoting maritime heritage within Canada and connecting Canadian scholars to the international maritime research community.

Business Registration Number: 119219525RR0001