⚠️ NEW STCW REQUIREMENT — HARASSMENT & BULLYING
Since 1 January 2026, the STCW Code includes mandatory training on the prevention of violence and harassment at sea.
And this is not just about sexual harassment.
The new requirements cover:
🔹 Bullying
🔹 Sexual harassment
🔹 Sexual assault
🔹 Violence and abusive behaviour
🔹 Prevention and response to incidents
🔹 The impact of such behaviour on crew welfare and ship safety
The requirements are incorporated into STCW Table A-VI/1-4 — Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities (PSSR).
🚨 What can happen if you cross the line?
The STCW Code itself does not prescribe one universal punishment for harassment.
But depending on the seriousness of the incident and the applicable flag-state/company/MLC procedures, consequences can include:
❌ Formal investigation
❌ Written warning or disciplinary action
❌ Removal from the vessel
❌ Dismissal
❌ Loss of future employment
❌ Criminal investigation in serious cases
❌ Possible consequences for your professional record
And remember:
“It was only a joke.”
“Everyone does it onboard.”
“He/she didn’t complain.”
None of these automatically makes the behaviour acceptable.
Modern maritime regulations are moving toward a clear principle:
Professionalism onboard includes how you treat people — not only how you operate the ship.
For senior officers, this also means something else:
Ignoring harassment can become a problem too.
The expectation is not simply to avoid misconduct, but to know how to recognise, prevent and properly respond to it.
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