Canada’s marine sector needs skilled people both on vessels and ashore. The Canadian Seafarers Pathway Study found that domestic vessel operators will need to hire 8,300 workers by 2029, driven by retirements, growth and the need to maintain essential vessel operations. More than half of those anticipated hires are in core marine occupations: navigation officers, engineering officers, and deck and engine crew.

Canada’s marine industry also relies on a wide range of shoreside professionals. Roles in crewing and HR, finance, skilled trades and port operations are all vital to keeping people, cargo and businesses moving.

Whether you are interested in working on the water or supporting the industry from shore, explore current opportunities on the Imagine Marine Job Board.

In-Demand Jobs on the Water

Navigation officers help vessels travel safely and efficiently. Their responsibilities can include voyage planning, watchkeeping, communications, cargo operations and supervising deck crews. It is a strong fit for people who enjoy responsibility, teamwork, problem-solving and life on the water. With sea time, experience and further certification, navigation officers can advance to senior roles such as captain or master mariner.

Marine engineers operate, maintain and troubleshoot the engines, machinery and technical systems that keep a vessel running. They help ensure safe, reliable and environmentally responsible operations. This career can appeal to people who enjoy mechanics, electrical systems, technology and hands-on problem-solving. With experience and additional certification, marine engineers can move up through the ranks to roles such as chief engineer.

Across Canada, colleges and training institutes offer marine officer education and certification pathways. Programs combine academic learning, simulation training and sea time. Explore programs across Canada through Imagine Marine’s Education and Training page, and visit the Funding page for scholarships, bursaries and other financial-support options.

Deckhands (also known as ratings seafarers) are essential members of a vessel’s deck crew. They support daily operations through tasks such as maintenance, lines and mooring, safety equipment and other practical onboard work. For people eager to enter the workforce, becoming a ratings seafarer can be a faster pathway to paid work: shorter courses and required safety certificates can prepare new entrants to get onboard, gain sea time and build practical experience. As deckhands develop their skills and qualifications, they can move into engine, cook and bridgewatch positions or pursue officer training.

The CMCF is currently accepting applications for its Entry-level Seafarer program, which helps Ontario jobseekers gain the skills and certifications needed to begin working onboard a range of vessels.

In-Demand Careers on Shore

A marine career is not only about working onboard vessels. Ports, terminals, educational institutions, shipping companies, passenger operators and marine service providers all need people in business, operations and skilled trades. Many people may not think their experience is relevant because they have not worked in marine before, but the industry is broader and more varied than people often realize. For example, STEM skills are becoming increasingly valuable across the sector, particularly in vessel engineering, port operations, digital systems, automation and environmental technology.

Below are some of the most in-demand career paths on shore:

Crewing and HR professionals help employers recruit, schedule, support and retain seafarers. Their work may include coordinating crew rotations, tracking certifications, responding to staffing needs and helping create workplaces where people can build long-term careers. HR, scheduling and operations experience is highly transferable to this people-focused work.

Financial professionals support the business side of marine. Accountants, payroll specialists, procurement professionals, financial analysts and business administrators help organizations manage crew pay, budgets, insurance, purchasing, vessel-maintenance costs and long-term investments. A marine background is not always required; finance professionals can develop sector knowledge while applying their existing expertise.

Terminal supervisors plan, coordinate and oversee the receiving, shipping and storage of goods in support of marine terminal operations. They provide on-the-ground leadership in occupational health and safety, operational excellence, customer service, environmental compliance and employee engagement. This role can be a strong fit for people with experience in logistics, warehousing, transportation, or team supervision who are looking to take on greater responsibility in a fast-paced environment.

Whether you are starting out, changing careers or building on skills you already have, Canada’s marine sector offers many pathways to meaningful work and long-term career growth.