Born in 1916, Molly Kool became the first licensed female Master Mariner (sea captain) on May 25, 1939. When asked of the significance of this event, she responded that it was the Great Depression, her father had a small vessel and she “needed a job”. Despite having the required sea time and passing all of her courses at navigation school in Yarmouth, she was delayed in receiving her masters since there was no “she” in the Canada Shipping Act.
With the encouraging voice of her father ever in her ear, Molly forged ahead into a full career in naval shipping. Many documented incidents reflect Molly’s character in standing up for herself and her ship against forces that would see her fail.
Right up until her death in 2009, she downplayed the significance of her accomplishments, claiming that they had less to do with women’s rights than with necessity.

The goal of the Molly Kool Award

To recognize women in the Southeastern New Brunswick Area for outstanding contributions to the community at large in such areas as arts, culture, conservation, and environment.

Award criteria

The recipient of the Molly Kool Award must be:

• A woman who is an established resident of Southeastern New Brunswick
• A person who – through the execution of their job, volunteering, or personalendeavors – enriches the community fabric in a significant way
• A person who embodies the selfless, humble spirit of Molly Kool
• A person who would not normally seek recognition for their contributions

This award is sponsored by Armour Transportation Systems

Download Application Form Here