L2M –Anchored Wellbeing: A Maritime Health & Safety Solution

Newfoundland and Labrador welcomes over 28,000 seafarers each year who support key sectors such as offshore energy, fisheries, and international trade. Despite the province’s deep maritime heritage, St. John’s remains the only major Canadian port without a dedicated Seafarers’ Centre. This gap limits access to essential welfare services, rest facilities, and communication support for visiting crews, many of whom spend extended periods at sea.

The project Anchored Wellbeing: A Maritime Health & Safety Solution seeks tohttps://apply.mitacs.ca/project/bsi/14097/internships address this need by developing a coordinated welfare model for the Port of St. John’s, combining a physical Seafarers’ Centre with a digital wellbeing platform. This innovative approach will enhance seafarers’ access to support while strengthening community partnerships.

Led by Morgane Sheppard, Station Manager of the Mission to Seafarers NL and researcher at Memorial University, in partnership with Dr. Desai Shan, Assistant Professor and expert in maritime occupational health and safety, the project brings together academic insight and frontline experience. The outcomes will provide an evidence-based framework for sustainable welfare delivery that can be replicated across Canadian ports.

Faculty Supervisor:

Desai Shan

Student:

Partner:

Springboard Atlantic Inc.

Discipline:

Sociology

Sector:

Other; Health and Related Sciences & Technology

University:

Memorial University of Newfoundland

Program: