The Iron Ring

The Iron Ring is a uniquely Canadian symbol of the engineering profession. Worn on the little finger of the working hand, the ring serves as a reminder of the Obligation to excellence in engineering that is undertaken by each candidate in the Obligation Ceremony. The ring itself is made of durable steel, with rough facets symbolizing the roughness of new engineers and the challenges and growths they will face in the course of their careers.

There is a persistent story that the Iron Rings are made from steel recovered from the tragic 1907 Quebec bridge disaster. While this has never been the case, the disaster and the engineering failures that caused it were part of the impetus for the creation of the Obligation Ceremony.

Returning the Iron Ring

When an obligated engineer no longer requires their Iron Ring, or when they have passed away, the holder is encouraged to return the ring to the Camp from which they received it.

Different Camps have different practices regarding returned rings. At Camp 3, the rings are linked to the chain used in the Obligation Ceremony. In this way we symbolically connect new engineers to those who have gone before them.

To return a ring to Camp 3, simply mail it, with an explanatory note, to

Iron Ring Camp 3
Box 1273, Stn. Main
Kingston, Ontario K7L 4Y8
CANADA

Replacement Iron Rings

Obligated engineers may order rings to replace those that have been lost, damaged, or that no longer fit. Please see our replacement rings page for details.