The National Research Council Institute for Ocean Technology (NRC-IOT) is Canada's national centre for ocean technology research and development. It undertakes research and development of innovative technologies for application in the private sector and to assist oceans-related public initiatives.

Major facilities operated by the Institute include a 200-metre Towing Tank, a 75-metre by 32-metre Offshore Engineering Basin, and a 90-metre Ice Tank - the longest in the world, a Cavitation Tunnel and Cold Room Laboratories. It also operates sophisticated model preparation facilities.

The research program includes:

·          Arctic Operations - Numerical simulations for ice operations, modelling and simulation of ice-induced vibration in structures and understanding of ice interactions with propulsion systems.

·          Marine Safety - Evaluation of life-saving technologies and procedures at sea with the long-term objective of compiling a complete characterization of safety equipment performance in extreme conditions.

·          Ocean Observation – Development with industry of autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) for safe, non-intrusive and cost-effective means of collecting data and performing surveillance tasks in the ocean environment.

·          Performance Evaluation - Determining the performance of ships and offshore structures in harsh ocean conditions to ensure reliability, preservation of life, protection of the marine environment.  

The NRC-IOT also operates the Ocean Technology Enterprise Centre (OTEC), a facility to assist new and established ocean technology enterprises to develop their concepts and technologies in a supportive environment, with access to NRC-IOT facilities and expertise.