New certification requirements: combating bullying and harassment on board ships

In May 2024, the IMO adopted amendments to the STCW Convention requiring a dedicated module on preventing violence and harassment on board to be included in seafarers’ basic training. These changes, approved by Resolution MSC.560(108), enter into force on 1 January 2026. A new competence has been added to STCW Table A-VI/1-4 — “Contribute to the prevention of violence and harassment, including sexual harassment, bullying and assault.” This means topics on recognizing and countering aggressive behavior among crew members will be included in the basic personal safety course.

According to IMO/ILO recommendations, the new course must equip seafarers with knowledge of different forms of harassment and bullying and teach them how to respond. The STCW changes establish that seafarers will receive “basic knowledge and understanding of violence and harassment, including sexual harassment, bullying and sexual assault, and how to prevent and respond to such cases.” In other words, the new course aims to build crew awareness and skills to stop aggressive behavior.

Course content

The syllabus includes modules covering the following:

Basics of violence and harassment: introduction to different manifestations of on-board aggression — bullying, sexual harassment, physical violence — and the concept of a “continuum of harm” (from negative words escalating to physical violence).
Impacts on people and safety: analysis of how such actions affect victims, perpetrators, and the whole team (health, psychological state, overall ship safety).
Risk factors: discussion of circumstances that trigger conflicts — abuse of power, discrimination, stress, isolation, fatigue, alcohol, drugs, etc.
Intervention and support actions: step-by-step procedures when violence or harassment is detected (intervention, reporting to officers, incident recording) and principles of a trauma-informed approach — providing psychological support to the victim and those around themm.

Thus, the course will combine theoretical knowledge with practical skills: from recognizing unacceptable behavior to concrete steps to assist victims. As intended by the IMO, seafarers should “possess basic knowledge and understanding of violence and harassment and be able to prevent and respond to such cases.”

Preparation and implementation

Training centers are advised to start preparing now. In particular, it is necessary to ensure the basic personal safety program is updated and includes the new module — because all seafarers certified from 1.01.2026 must have a verified course on countering bullying and harassment. Companies must also update their Safety Management Systems (SMS): establish clear policies and procedures to prevent violence and harassment, as well as response algorithms. In addition, it is important to implement open reporting procedures for aggressive incidents (including the possibility of anonymous reports) and ensure protection for those who come forward.

Example recommended actions for companies:

Check training providers: arrange for providers to update the basic course syllabus to include the new topics.
Update the SMS: add provisions on preventing violence, mechanisms to support victims, and a ban on retaliation against those who report incidents.
Establish reporting and support procedures: introduce regular open dialogue about harassment and guarantee psychological assistance to affected seafarers.

Zero tolerance and the psychological climate

International guidance emphasizes a “zero tolerance” policy on harassment: “Any forms of violence and harassment are incompatible with the very concept of decent work. Zero tolerance for such behavior must be established.” Maritime unions and labor organizations advise companies to state clearly: there is no place for violence or bullying on board. As an example from ITF guidance says: “No seafarer should be subjected to harassment or bullying on a ship. Responsibility for making your vessel harassment-free lies with every crew member.”

Creating a positive psychological climate on board is no less important than technical safety. Experts from the REDO project stress: “Psychological safety is the foundation of a healthy working environment.” Seafarers should feel free to raise issues and know they can seek help without fear for their careers. As REDO notes, the absence of psychological safety leads to poorer mental health and reduced overall safety: the team will be less likely to report a defect or improper conduct by management.

Therefore, shipping companies should train crews to be active bystanders: not staying silent but protecting victims. According to REDO leaders, “it is crucial for shipping companies to implement a zero-harassment policy and ensure its strict enforcement.” Only under such conditions will trust and mutual respect emerge on board — essential for safe and effective operations.

Sources: IMO (Resolution MSC.560(108), 2024; press release 05.03.2024); Safety4Sea (26.06.2025; 10.07.2024); ITF (on-board anti-harassment guidance).