- Canada’s marine sector faces a critical labor gap, with over 8,300 new workers needed by 2029 and thousands of current roles already unfilled.
- Marine training institutions cannot meet demand, with current graduation rates only covering 40% of required onboard roles.
- Addressing the shortage will require stronger government funding, industry investment, better training access, and improved sea-time opportunities.
The Canadian Marine Careers Foundation (CMCF) has released the Canadian Seafarers Pathway Study, a detailed report highlighting serious labor and skill gaps in the country’s marine transportation industry. The study shows that domestic vessel operators will need to hire 8,300 new workers by 2029 to keep up with demand and replace retiring staff. This represents over 30% of the current workforce, according to the research published by Imagine Marine, a CMCF Initiative.
Labor Shortages in Canada’s Marine Sector
The study warned that without major changes, Canada’s marine training system would fall short of meeting future labor needs. It outlined evidence-based recommendations to help the Canadian Marine Careers Foundation and the sector develop strategies for long-term viability.
Julia Fields, Executive Director of the Canadian Marine Careers Foundation, highlighted the sector’s importance to the national economy and its many linked industries. She noted ongoing labor shortages on Canadian vessels threaten growth and supply chains, risking economic stability if not addressed promptly.
The report, prepared by R.A. Malatest & Associates, analyzed workforce trends, recruitment, and retention challenges, as well as the capacity of marine training institutions. It focused on marine jobs aboard domestic commercial and public vessels like cargo ships, ferries, tugs, tourism boats, and Coast Guard vessels, along with onshore roles supporting vessel operations. Port and terminal jobs were excluded.
Fabian Lambert, Chair of the Canadian Association of Maritime Training Institutes, stressed that seafarer shortages could not be resolved by training institutions alone. He called for coordinated action involving increased government funding, better student support, and strong industry commitments to build inclusive career pathways. The study was described as a call to secure the marine workforce’s future.
Urgent Actions to Strengthen Canada’s Marine Workforce
The study found that 86% of employers are struggling to recruit, with more than 3,600 seafaring positions unfilled in 2024. The marine sector’s job vacancy rate stands at 11%, over three times the national average for transportation and warehousing. To meet demand and replace retirees, the industry will need more than 8,300 new workers by 2029. Over half of these roles are for key onboard positions such as navigation officers, engineers, and crew. However, current training institutions are projected to supply only 40% of that need.
To address this gap, the sector must increase public awareness of marine careers, especially among youth and underrepresented groups. Although some training programs operate below capacity, even full enrollment and graduation won’t meet future needs. Increased government funding is essential, both to support students and to expand program capacity through hybrid, remote, and accelerated training models.
A major challenge lies in gaining sea-time experience, which is required for certification. The study recommends pilot programs to expand onboard training opportunities. Industry groups, employers, and unions should invest more in scholarships and career advancement tools to help seafarers grow. Finally, training programs must keep up with technology by preparing workers for changes like automation, digital systems, and decarbonization.
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Source: ImagineMarine
