Karambir Singh Kang, a graduate from the Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS), Pilani, has become the first Sikh marine engineer to serve with a full beard at BC Ferries, the primary ferry operator in British Columbia, Canada. This significant milestone was announced on April 30, following nearly four years of advocacy by the World Sikh Organization of Canada (WSO) and the BC Ferry and Marine Workers’ Union. Previously, Kang faced repeated rejections due to BC Ferries' clean-shaven policy, which was linked to safety requirements for self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). However, a comprehensive risk assessment by BC Ferries determined that many key positions, including Deck Officers and Chief Engineers, do not require immediate SCBA readiness, leading to the removal of the clean-shaven requirement fleet-wide. This change not only accommodates beards for religious and personal reasons but also aligns with Canada’s Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Alongside Kang, Capt. Gurpreet Singh Bajwa has also made history as BC Ferries’ first turbaned Sikh Deck Officer. The WSO has praised these developments as important steps toward equality and inclusion, while also highlighting the need for broader regulatory reform to accommodate bearded workers in various sectors.