Marine Technology of Cross Pacific Ocean

The early immigrant from Asia to Vancouver have to cross Pacific Ocean since 1880's. In the novel "Obasan", the "sea" or the ocean not only represents Geo-gap between two continents, but also shows the gap between eastern and western cultures and different generations. Vancouver, as a terminal city, is supported by the marine technology development.  The following is the mapping of the marine development in Vancouver.

Ocean liners were ships of transport for immigrants and machines of leisure, status, and national prestige.

In the late 1800s, ocean liners were mainly in the business of delivering immigrants across the Atlantic and Pacific to American shores. Only a few years later, they began to compete for the business of tourists and travelers—from ordinary families to the nation’s wealthiest citizens. Ocean travel became big business—safe and routine, except for horrifying exceptions like the Titanic.

Merchant seamen and ships played a vital role in winning both world wars of the 20th century.

A world at war put immense demands on American shipyards and sailors. During World War II, the maritime industry responded with merchant ships by the thousands. Though not part of the U.S. Navy, these ships delivered the troops, supplies, and equipment that won the war. Thousands of merchant seamen gave their lives on these vessels, in a wartime role as dangerous as serving in the armed forces.

Maritime activity is as important as ever, and it affects the lives of people everywhere.

The Internet isn’t the only home of a worldwide web. Maritime commerce connects people and markets around the globe. Ships deliver things we need, such as vehicles, fuel, clothing, toys, electronics, and food, and then take us on vacation. We hardly give maritime activity a second thought, yet we all depend on the vessels, ports, and workers who keep those global maritime connections going.