Welcome to Mariners Hub Canada
Connecting Seafarers and Shipowners for a Stronger Canada
Bridging Talent and Opportunity:
Our mission is to support Canada's shipping industry by connecting shipowners with qualified seafarers already contributing to Canadian society—building stronger communities and resilient fleets.
Addressing Canada's Maritime Labour Gap:
With a rising number of retirements, Canada faces a seafarer shortage threatening its shipping sector's stability. Despite international talent already present, limits on immigration pathways hinder their ability to stay and contribute.
Canada's Future Outlook
Imagine Marine, through its Canadian Marine Careers Foundation (CMCF) initiative, released a comprehensive report and several articles detailing the urgent retirement-driven workforce gap in Canada's marine sector. According to their findings, more than 8,300 new seafarers will be needed by 2029—over 30% of the current workforce—to meet industry demand and replace retiring workers. In 2024 alone, more than 3,600 seafaring positions were unfilled, and the overall job vacancy rate for the sector was three times higher than the national average for transportation and warehousing. The study emphasizes that Canada's marine training system, at its current enrollment and graduation rates, can only meet 40% of the demand for key marine roles. Without significant coordinated action, labour shortages could have serious consequences for the sector's future growth and overall economic stability.
Leadership
Meet the visionaries behind Mariners Hub Canada
Mariya Ivanytska
Founder, CEO and External Relations, Mariners Hub Canada
Pavlo Fatkin
Co-Founder, Director, Master Mariner
TBD: Co-Founder, Director, Chief Engineer
About Us
We envision a thriving Canadian maritime industry where skilled seafarers and shipowners work together to build a stronger, more resilient economy. Through strategic partnerships and innovative solutions, we're creating pathways for success in Canada's shipping sector.
Mission Focused
Dedicated to matching the right mariners with the right ships
Fast Results
Quick crew placements and reliable hiring outcomes
Partnership
Long-term relationships built on trust
Our Methodology
At Mariners Hub Canada, we take a holistic and collaborative approach to advancing the maritime sector and addressing its emerging workforce challenges:
• Building Partnerships:
We work closely with Government, Industry, and Academic partners, including opportunities to help seafarers adapt, upskill, and integrate - ensuring they can contribute fully and confidently to Canada's economy and society.
• Facilitating Connections:
Our platform serves as a bridge, matching qualified international seafarers (who are already in Canada and authorized to work) with shipping companies facing critical shortages, while making the recruitment process transparent and accessible.
• Advocacy & Representation:
We actively engage government and sector leaders to highlight the importance of permanent, dedicated immigration streams for maritime professionals, advocating for fair, pragmatic solutions that support both employers and workers.
• Supporting Integration & Adaptation:
Through resources, guidance, and community-building opportunities to help seafarers adapt, upskill, and integrate - ensuring they can contribute fully and confidently to Canada's economy and society.
• Education & Awareness:
Through workshops, public campaigns, and knowledge sharing, we raise awareness about the vital role seafarers play in Canada, while addressing misconceptions and fostering a culture of inclusion and respect.
• Continuous Monitoring & Adaptation:
We track labour market trends, policy updates, and stakeholder feedback, ensuring our services and advocacy efforts are data-driven and responsive to changing realities. By combining these strategies, Mariners Hub Canada advances a resilient, inclusive, and forward-looking maritime industry for all Canadians.
Get In Touch
Ready to set sail or find your crew?
info@marinershub.org
Phone
+1 (604) 440-2461