RESEARCH
Blue National Occupational Standards
The Blue National Occupational Standards (BNOS) provide a national reference for the skills and competencies needed across Canada’s sustainable blue economy. They help employers hire with confidence, support educators in designing relevant training, and give individuals a clear understanding of expectations within key ocean roles.
Each BNOS profile outlines the essential skills, knowledge and responsibilities associated with a specific occupation. Competencies are written using an internationally recognized framework, ensuring they are measurable, consistent and practical to apply across regions, sectors and training programs. Profiles are reviewed by professionals working in the field to confirm they reflect real practices, evolving technologies and the needs of an innovation-ready workforce.
Within the Sustainable Blue Economy Professional (SBEP) program, BNOS roles with shared skill areas are grouped into broader specialization streams. These combined competencies form the foundation of the SBEP self-assessment, helping individuals understand how their experience aligns with Canada-based standards designed to strengthen skills and workforce systems and innovation deployment within a global labour market.
Roles responsible for the direct operation, navigation, and maintenance of marine vessels and onboard systems. It includes professionals who ensure the safety of maritime transport, execute technical operations at sea, and lead crews under varied ocean conditions.
Scientific and technical professionals who assess, monitor, and manage the ecological health of marine and coastal environments. These individuals conduct research, analyze environmental data, and support sustainable marine resource management
- Marine Biologist
- Fisheries Biologist
- Marine Geologist
- Marine Geophysicist
- Fisheries Analyst
- Sustainability Specialist
- Aquaculture Production Manager
- Water Quality Specialist
Design, development, and maintenance of advanced marine technologies, systems, and instrumentation. Professionals in this stream are responsible for applying engineering principles to build, test, and operate innovative solutions in marine environments
Professionals who use spatial data and geographic information systems to inform marine planning, environmental impact analysis, and resource management. These roles support evidence-based decisions in marine spatial planning, fisheries stock analysis, and habitat conservation
Sustainable ocean infrastructure and offshore renewable energy. It includes technical roles involved in the development, deployment, and monitoring of wind farms, marine sensors, and other ocean-based energy systems
Operational and supervisory roles involved in the cultivation, harvesting, and health management of aquatic species. Professionals in this stream manage aquaculture systems, ensure compliance with environmental regulations, and monitor water and stock quality
Enabling roles that support blue economy sectors through leadership in health and safety, public education, communications, and program administration. These professionals play a critical role in workforce development, stakeholder engagement, and ecosystem-wide systems coordination
Enabling roles that support blue economy sectors through leadership in health and safety, public education, communications, and program administration. These professionals play a critical role in workforce development, stakeholder engagement, and ecosystem-wide systems coordination