Ocean Alliance Canada

What Ocean Alliance Canada does

Ocean Alliance Canada (OAC) is a national collaboration initiative developed and hosted by ECO Canada, founded in 2024 and headquartered in Halifax, Nova Scotia. OAC operates as the national coordination body for sustainable blue economy workforce development in Canada, connecting ocean professionals, employers, Indigenous organizations, academic institutions, government agencies, and researchers through a portfolio of certification, training, HR services, and convening programs. Its core product is the Sustainable Blue Economy Professional (SBEP) designation, which includes three pathways (SBEP, SBEPt, and SBEP Specialized) grounded in the Blue National Occupational Standards (BNOS) and delivered through the Absorb Learning Management System. Supporting offerings include the Blue Economy Career Explorer platform, national digital learning pathways and a mentorship network, BEAHR Indigenous Training Pathways, HR services for individuals and employers, and specialized training programs such as the Ocean Analytics Bootcamp and Strategic Coastal Vulnerability Assessment micro-credential.

OAC's business model is diversified across multiple revenue streams: individual and organizational membership subscriptions (introduced as paid tiers effective January 1, 2026, with individual membership at $50 CAD and organizational tiers ranging from $75 to $300 CAD), SBEP certification application and renewal fees ($200-$300 CAD application, $130-$230 CAD annual renewal), event ticket sales (OAC Conference at $195 CAD and Sustainable Blue Economy Summit at $295-$350 CAD), fee-for-service HR coaching and career services ($75-$200 CAD per engagement), and event sponsorship (tiers ranging from $2,000 to $15,000 CAD). Prior to January 2026, membership was complimentary for all member types, indicating the organization is in the very early stages of monetization. OAC's go-to-market is primarily community-led, event-driven, and channel-partner-mediated, leveraging ECO Canada's infrastructure and an ecosystem of strategic partners including Canada's Ocean Supercluster, Future Skills Centre, Ocean Frontier Institute, and Caribbean Maritime University.

Name

Ocean Alliance Canada

Legal name

Ocean Alliance Canada

Website

https://oceanalliancecanada.ca

Company type

Private

Founded year

2024

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Ocean Alliance Canada is a national nonprofit initiative under ECO Canada that credentials blue economy professionals through the SBEP designation, delivers workforce development services, and convenes Canada's ocean sector through annual summits and working groups.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Sustainable Blue Economy Workforce Development

NAICS

Business Associations (813910), Professional Organizations (81392), Convention and Trade Show Organizers (56192)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600), Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Oceans, Coastal & Marine Resource Management (BPADALAI)

akta.pro secondary industries

Technical Committees, Working Groups & Expert Panels (BPADANAB), Association & Society Conference Management (Nonprofit, Professional Bodies) (THAHACAA)

Keywords

• Blue economy workforce development
• Professional certification services
• Sustainable ocean training
• Marine HR services
• Ocean sector conferences

Headquarters

HQ city

Calgary

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Organizational Membership Fees: Annual membership fees for organizations including companies, non-profits, academic institutions, government agencies, and Indigenous organizations. Fees range from $75-$300 CAD annually depending on organization type and size. Membership provides voting rights, visibility, preferred event rates, and access to national working groups.
2. Individual Membership Fees: Annual membership at $50 CAD for individuals including students, early-career professionals, consultants, educators, and researchers. Provides access to working groups, mentorship, and discounts.
3. SBEP Certification Fees: One-time application fees for SBEP ($300 CAD / $200 USD international), SBEP Specialized ($300 CAD), and SBEP-in-Training ($200 CAD). Annual renewal fees of $230 CAD for SBEP/SBEP Specialized and $130 CAD for SBEPt. Fees include application review, professional community access, and ongoing credential maintenance.
4. Conference and Event Tickets: Revenue from ticket sales for annual conferences and summits. OAC Conference 2025 priced at $195 CAD for two-day access. Sustainable Blue Economy Summit 2026 at $295 early bird (until July 6), then $350 regular price, includes Pre-Summit Welcome Reception.
5. HR Services and Career Coaching: Fee-for-service career coaching ($80-$100 per session based on experience level), interview preparation ($75/hr), resume support ($200 for two reviews plus consultation), and personal branding services ($100 for LinkedIn review).
6. Sponsorship and Partnership Revenue: Corporate sponsorship opportunities for events including Event Partner ($15,000), Policy Leader ($10,000), Thought Leader ($5,000), and Exhibitor ($2,000) tiers for the Sustainable Blue Economy Summit 2026.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion4 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels12 records

Core offering

Ocean Alliance Canada operates as a national collaboration initiative providing Sustainable Blue Economy Professional (SBEP) certification, workforce development services, training programs, and annual conferences for Canada's ocean sector. Its core deliverables include three-tier BNOS-aligned professional credentials (SBEP, SBEPt, SBEP Specialized), HR services for individuals and employers, Indigenous training pathways, and convening events such as the Sustainable Blue Economy Summit. The organization monetizes through membership fees, certification fees, event tickets, sponsorships, and fee-for-service HR offerings.

Product overview

Ocean Alliance Canada operates as a national collaboration initiative rather than a unified software product, offering a portfolio of professional certification, career development, and workforce training services. The core offering is the Sustainable Blue Economy Professional (SBEP) designation program, which includes three pathways (SBEP, SBEPt, and SBEP Specialized) grounded in Blue National Occupational Standards. This is supported by the Blue Economy Career Explorer platform, national digital learning pathways, and an OAC Mentorship Network. HR Services for both individuals and employers provide tailored support including interview preparation, resume writing, and hiring tools. Training products include BEAHR Indigenous Training Pathways, Ocean Analytics Bootcamp, Strategic Coastal Vulnerability Assessment training, and AI-focused workshops. The organization hosts the annual Sustainable Blue Economy Summit featuring an Innovation Showcase, complemented by the Wave Makers video series and Blue Economy Blog for community engagement. Membership programs provide access to working groups and networking opportunities.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• SBEP (Sustainable Blue Economy Professional): A nationally recognized professional certification created by ECO Canada that recognizes expertise in the sustainable blue economy, aligned with Blue National Occupational Standards (BNOS).
• SBEPt (SBEP-in-Training)
• SBEP Specialized
• Sustainable Blue Economy Summit

Products and services

• Sustainable Blue Economy Professional (SBEP) Designation A nationally recognized professional credential developed by ECO Canada and Ocean Alliance Canada, grounded in the Blue National Occupational Standards (BNOS), that validates expertise across ocean-related industries and demonstrates commitment to ethical professional practice. Includes three pathways: SBEP (5+ years experience), SBEPt (SBEP-in-Training, fewer than 5 years), and SBEP Specialized.
• Blue Economy Career Explorer An innovative career planning platform that empowers graduates, newcomers, and career changers with comprehensive information to plan their ocean career paths.
• BEAHR Indigenous Training Pathways Indigenous-focused marine training pathways developed by and for Indigenous communities, supporting inclusive pathways in the blue workforce.
• HR Services for Individuals Tailored HR support services including interview preparation, resume writing, personal branding (LinkedIn optimization), and career coaching for professionals in the ocean and environmental sectors.
• HR Services for Employers Workforce development services for employers including hiring tools, job board access, co-op/internship matching, and Indigenous partnership pathways.
• Sustainable Blue Economy Summit Annual conference bringing together government leaders, industry executives, researchers, investors, Indigenous organizations, and innovators for practical insights, partnerships, and networking. Third annual event scheduled for September 18, 2026 at the Westin Nova Scotian, Halifax.
• Innovation Showcase A curated platform at the annual Summit that highlights ocean innovations ready for scaled impact, featuring live stage presentations and exhibitor booths for startups, SMEs, and growth-stage organizations.
• Strategic Coastal Vulnerability Assessment and Adaptation Planning Training Two-day micro-credential training program providing participants with knowledge to assess coastal climate risks and translate findings into actionable adaptation and management plans, covering vulnerability assessment, spatial analysis, and coastal governance.
• Ocean Analytics Bootcamp Hands-on virtual workshop series that equips participants with tools and methodologies for analyzing marine data and turning insights into action for career advancement in the blue economy.
• Ocean Alliance Canada Membership Complimentary membership program (until January 1, 2026) offering organizational and individual memberships with access to national working groups, mentorship networks, preferred event rates, and eligibility for awards and leadership roles.

Quantifiable outcome

• Global Blue Economy projected to reach US $5.1 trillion by 2050
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered minor, premium, core and flagship.

• Seaforth GeosurveysminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 21 July 2026Nova Scotia-based geomatics company. Nnenna Odide Offia, Geomatics Specialist, serves as instructor for Strategic Coastal Vulnerability Assessment training. Company provides hydrographic surveying and marine mapping expertise.
• M2M TechpremiumGTM or Marketing Partner · 3 September 2025Event Partner for OAC Conference 2025. M2M Tech is a Canadian AI leader in innovation and workforce development. Their DataTalent program underscores the importance of building Canada's ocean workforce. The partnership featured AI workshops at the conference and co-branded event promotion.
• GeoSpectrum Technologies InccoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 3 September 2025Silver Sponsor of OAC Conference 2025. Canadian leader in ocean technology delivering innovative acoustic systems and software for marine research, defence, and sustainability worldwide.
• The Soap Company of Nova ScotiaminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 3 September 2025Bronze Sponsor of OAC Conference 2025. Family-owned leader in handcrafted, eco-friendly products highlighting simplicity, integrity, and community in building a healthier, sustainable future.
• Caribbean Maritime UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025International co-presenter of OAC Conference 2025 held in Kingston, Jamaica. Partnership established Canada's role in international ocean diplomacy and sustainable development while expanding the network to Caribbean maritime stakeholders.
• ECO CanadaflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerECO Canada is the parent organization hosting Ocean Alliance Canada. OAC was developed by ECO Canada to advance sustainable blue economy workforce development. ECO Canada provides infrastructure including the Absorb Learning Management System for SBEP certification, HR services delivery, and broader environmental professional network access. The organizations share leadership including Dr. Yogendra Chaudhry who serves as both VP of Professional Services at ECO Canada and Chair of Ocean Alliance Canada.
• DeepSensecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDeepSense, based at Dalhousie University, is a tech entrepreneur and AI strategist organization advancing the marine economy. Iaain Archibald, Executive Director, spoke at OAC Conference 2025 on AI and sustainable innovation in ocean sectors.
• COVE (Centre for Ocean Ventures & Entrepreneurship)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCOVE is a Centre for Ocean Ventures & Entrepreneurship in Nova Scotia. Levi Morrison, Director of Innovation, is a speaker at SBES 2026. COVE represents innovation and startup ecosystem collaboration.
• Canada's Ocean SuperclustercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational innovation supercluster focused on growing Canada's ocean economy. Akash Rastogi, Chief Capital Strategy Officer, spoke at SBES 2026. Jennifer LaPlante serves as Chief Investment and Growth Officer. Represents major industry collaboration for ocean innovation.
• Future Skills CentrecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational research and knowledge mobilization organization helping Canadians navigate changing labour markets. Dr. Tricia Williams, Director of Research & Knowledge Mobilization, and Noel Baldwin, Director of Government & Public Affairs, participate in OAC events and programming.
• Ocean Frontier InstitutecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerResearch institute at Dalhousie University focused on ocean science. Dr. Erin Bertrand serves as Associate Professor, Canada Research Chair, and Acting Scientific Director. Eric Siegel serves as Chief Innovation Officer. Ronnie Noonan-Birch serves as Science and Policy Manager.
• Foresight CanadacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCanada's innovation sustainability organization. Steven Myers, VP Partnerships, spoke at SBES 2026. Foresight Canada supports technology acceleration and clean economy growth.
• Nature Investment HubcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOrganization focused on nature-based investment and markets. Hamish Stewart, Director of Market Building Initiatives, spoke at SBES 2026 on financing ocean climate solutions.
• Blue Futures PathwayscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProgram manager Anna Naylor coordinates internships, mentorships, training, and initiatives helping Canadian youth build careers in the sustainable blue economy. Partner in workforce development ecosystem.
• Indigenous PartnersflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerOAC works with Indigenous partners to advance Indigenous-led ocean leadership through partnerships, training pathways (BEAHR Marine Training), and long-term relationship building. Indigenous communities and organizations are explicitly recognized as foundational to OAC's ecosystem approach.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Marine Stewardship Council: International nonprofit that sets standards for sustainable fishing and seafood. Comparable to OAC in operating standards-based certification programs for the ocean economy and convening global stakeholders around ocean sustainability.
• World Ocean Council: International cross-sectoral ocean industry leadership body. Comparable to OAC as a global convening alliance for ocean industries, offering working groups, networking, and corporate sustainability engagement for ocean-sector companies.
• Marine Technology Society: International professional association for ocean technologists and marine engineers. Closely comparable to OAC in its membership-based structure, professional credentialing focus, conferences, and role as a convener for ocean-sector professionals.
• Royal Institution of Naval Architects: Global professional membership body for naval architects and marine engineers. Comparable to OAC in offering chartered professional status, events, training, and a recognized credentialing pathway for ocean-sector professionals.
• Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers: International professional society serving the marine and maritime industries. Comparable to OAC through its membership model, professional development programs, conferences, and credential-style recognition for marine professionals.

Broad incumbents

• Ocean Conservancy: Major U.S.-based ocean advocacy nonprofit. Comparable to OAC as a high-profile ocean-sector nonprofit that convenes stakeholders, runs campaigns, and engages in ocean workforce and sustainability programming.
• ECO Canada: Parent organization of OAC and Canada's primary environmental professional body. Directly comparable as a membership-driven professional certification organization for environmental practitioners, including EP designation and similar workforce development services.

Others

• Coastal States Organization: U.S. nonprofit association representing U.S. coastal states on ocean and coastal policy. Adjacent peer to OAC as a membership-based convener focused on ocean policy, workforce development, and coastal sustainability.

Regional players

• Society of Maritime Industries (UK): UK trade association for the maritime sector. Comparable to OAC in its membership-based model, advocacy role, and event programming for ocean/maritime industries, though geographically focused on the UK.

Emerging players

• Canada's Ocean Supercluster: Canada's national ocean innovation supercluster that convenes industry, academia, and government. Overlaps with OAC in convening Canadian blue economy stakeholders but focuses on innovation commercialization rather than workforce certification.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/oceanallianceca
• YouTubeyoutube.com/ecocanada
• Facebookfacebook.com/ecocanada
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/ocean-alliance-canada
• Instagraminstagram.com/oceanalliancecanada
• TikToktiktok.com/@eco.canada

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Ocean Alliance Canada