A new report released on May 21 by the Canadian Marine Careers Foundation (CMCF) reveals an urgent labor crisis in Canada’s marine sector. Commercial and public sector vessel operators will need to hire 8,300 new workers–more than 30% of the current workforce–by 2029 to meet the demand and replace retirees. Yet, current training systems are projected to supply only 40% of the needed workers for key onboard positions.

Commissioned by CMCF and conducted by R.A. Malatest & Associates, the Canadian Seafarers Pathway Study offers national and regional insights into workforce trends, recruitment and retention challenges and the capacity of marine training institutions to meet future needs. The report, which was sponsored by a consortium of marine stakeholders, provides a roadmap of evidence-based recommendations that will inform the CMCF’s programs and activities and act as a catalyst for the sector to develop and fund strategies to ensure the marine sector’s future viability.