As the global ocean economy grows, so does the need for skilled, ethical, and accountable professionals who can balance economic activity with long‑term ocean and environmental sustainability.
Across shipping, construction, science, technology, policy, and environmental protection, employers and communities are asking an important question: How do we know who is qualified to lead the sustainable blue economy forward?
The Sustainable Blue Economy Professional (SBEP) designation helps answer that question.
SBEP is a globally relevant professional credential that recognizes individuals whose education, experience, and ethical practice support a sustainable ocean future. Developed by Ocean Alliance Canada, a national ocean sector initiative of ECO Canada, and grounded in the Blue National Occupational Standards (BNOS), the designation provides a trusted benchmark for professionalism across ocean and ocean‑adjacent careers.
Behind the designation are professionals applying sustainability principles in real‑world settings every day. In this blog, we highlight two such individuals whose careers reflect the diversity, impact, and purpose of the sustainable blue economy workforce: Mercury Asis Venus, an SBEP Specialized marine engineer, and Paloma D’Silva, an environmental professional building her career at the intersection of development and environmental protection.
Mercury Asis Venus, SBEP Specialized
Marine Engineer | Navigation, Operations, Engineering & Technology
For Mercury, sustainability isn’t theoretical; it’s operational.
Originally from the Philippines, Mercury Asis Venus holds a Bachelor’s degree in Marine Engineering and spent nearly seven years working aboard very large crude oil tanker (VLCC) vessels with Maersk Tankers. Her work took place deep in engine rooms and control systems, where efficiency, safety, and environmental responsibility are inseparable.
“I’m a seasoned sailor, and I love my life at sea,” Mercury says. “But marine engineering also plays a major role in reducing risk, improving efficiency, and protecting the ocean.”
Now based in Canada, Mercury is in the process of converting her Second Engineer License to a Canadian Certificate of Competency through Transport Canada. As she looked to advance her career within the global ocean workforce, the Sustainable Blue Economy Professional (SBEP) Specialized designation stood out as a clear way to validate both her technical expertise and her values.
“I decided to pursue the Sustainable Blue Economy Professional designation because I genuinely care about our oceans and want to make a positive impact in how we utilize marine resources responsibly”
“The SBEP designation aligned perfectly with my background in navigation, operations, and engineering,” she explains. “More importantly, it reflects my desire to support safer, cleaner, and more sustainable maritime practices.”
As an early participant in the SBEP program, Mercury Asis Venus completed the competency‑based assessment and review process as it was being refined. She credits the supportive certification team with helping her stay motivated and now hopes to help build momentum for SBEP adoption across the marine industry.
“This designation is a symbol of my professional integrity and my role in contributing positively to Canada’s marine industries.”
With SBEP Specialized, Mercury continues to position herself as a marine engineering professional ready to help lead the transition toward a resilient, net‑zero blue economy.
Paloma D’Silva, SBEPt Specialized
Environmental Inspector | Construction & Environmental Protection
While Mercury operates offshore, Paloma D’Silva works where infrastructure development meets environmental protection.
As an Environmental Inspector at Ghella, Paloma monitors construction sites for environmental risks, ensures regulatory compliance, and helps prevent long‑term impacts on surrounding ecosystems. Her work plays a critical role in protecting land‑based environments that ultimately connect to coastal and marine systems.
“I’ve always been interested in nature and helping the environment,” Paloma says. “This role allows me to be part of solutions, not just observations.”
Early in her career, Paloma pursued professional designation to build credibility, access mentorship, and expand her professional network, key steps toward her long‑term goal of becoming a Professional Geologist (P.Geo) registered in both Ontario and Quebec.
What stood out most during the application process was how simple it was.
“It was easy and seamless,” she says.
Although Paloma’s current designation differs from SBEP, her career path reflects the same core principles SBEP is built on: competency, ethics, continuous learning, and accountability. Her work supports responsible development and environmental stewardship, fundamental pillars of the sustainable blue economy.
“It’s a chance to network and be part of an organization that promotes the environmental industry.”
Paloma continues to build her experience with the goal of contributing as a trusted environmental geologist and sustainability professional in the years ahead.
One Designation. Many Career Pathways.
The sustainable blue economy depends on diverse professionals working across many sectors, but united by shared standards.
The SBEP designation recognizes individuals who:
- Demonstrate BNOS‑aligned competencies
- Apply ethical decision‑making in real‑world contexts
- Bring verified education and professional experience
- Contribute meaningfully to ocean and environmental sustainability
With pathways for SBEP‑in‑training, SBEP, and SBEP Specialized, the designation supports professionals at all stages of their careers from emerging talent to experienced leaders.
For professionals like Mercury, SBEP validates years of technical expertise and leadership at sea. For professionals like Paloma, it reflects the kind of structured, value-based career framework that strengthens sustainability and environmental work across the blue economy.
Become a Sustainable Blue Economy Professional
The future of the ocean economy depends on professionals who are qualified, trusted, and committed to doing things the right way. SBEP is more than a credential. It is a signal to employers, colleagues, and communities that you are committed to strengthening our ocean future.
The SBEP designation helps signal your commitment to sustainability, innovation, and professional excellence, whether you work on the water, along the coast, or in industries that support ocean health.
Get Recognized. Grow Your Career. Secure Our Ocean Future.
Apply for the Sustainable Blue Economy Designation today: https://oceanalliancecanada.ca/become-a-sustainable-blue-economy-professional-sbep/