Canada Wants More Seafarers

Published Jun 12, 2018 10:04 PM by The Maritime Executive

Canada expected to lose 20 percent of its aging seafarers to retirement within the next five years. This represents a huge challenge for the industry which is projected to increase significantly over the next decade.

To avoid this skills gap, the Seafarers' Training Institute, with partners Algoma Central Corporation, Groupe Desgagnés, Canada Steamship Lines and the Seafarers’ International Union of Canada (SIU), has launched a Canada-wide hiring initiative called Be a Seafarer.

At a national level, the Canadian commercial shipping industry directly contributes $3 billion to GDP, and the industry has an immediate need to attract and retain 300 new seafarers.

While seafaring is known to be a tough job, it also offers stability, adventure and pride. To apply, applicants need to be 18 or over, with no experience necessary. New recruits receive free training and board, can earn more than $60,000 per year out of school and are guaranteed their first job.