See unitsPersonal safety, social responsibilities and preventing violence and harassment (STCW A-VI/1-4)
Preventing violence, harassment and bullying
1The lesson in plain words
Since 1 January 2026 every basic training course must teach how to recognise, prevent and respond to violence and harassment on board.
What it means
Violence includes physical attacks and threats of physical harm. Harassment is unwanted behaviour that offends, humiliates or intimidates. Sexual harassment is such behaviour of a sexual nature: comments, jokes, touching, messages or pictures. Bullying is repeated hostile behaviour, such as insults or isolating someone. Sexual assault is sexual contact without consent and is a crime. The continuum of harm runs from degrading remarks to assault. All can harm people; behaviour may escalate if unchecked.
Why it matters
Victims suffer stress, fear, poor sleep and loss of concentration, and some leave the sea. Those responsible can damage their careers and face legal consequences. Witnesses may feel unsafe, and teamwork and ship safety suffer. Factors that make it more likely include abuse of power between ranks, discrimination, stress, isolation, fatigue, drugs and alcohol.
What you can do
If it is safe, step in: interrupt, distract or support the target. Report it through the company procedure, to an officer you trust, the master, or the company's designated person ashore. You may also use the on-board complaint procedure under the Maritime Labour Convention. Keep notes of dates and what happened. The joint shipowner and union Guidance on Eliminating Shipboard Harassment and Bullying (ICS and ITF) helps companies write their policy.
Supporting a victim
A trauma-informed response means listening calmly, believing the person, not blaming them, respecting their choices and privacy, and helping them get medical care and support. Offer affected bystanders the same calm support. If you or another witness feels distressed, seek confidential support from a trusted person or a seafarer helpline.
Why it is in basic training
IMO resolution MSC.560(108) replaced STCW table A-VI/1-4, adding a new competence: prevent and respond to violence and harassment, including sexual harassment, bullying and sexual assault. It entered into force on 1 January 2026. Flag states decide how existing certificate holders catch up, so check yours. MLC amendments adopted in 2025, expected in force in December 2027, also strengthen protection against violence and harassment.
2Step by step
If you see harassment or bullying
- 1
Step in only if it is safe: interrupt, distract or stand with the target.
A bystander's action often stops the behaviour; your own safety comes first.
- 2
Check on the person afterwards and listen without judging.
Victims often feel alone; support reduces harm.
- 3
Explain the reporting routes and offer support. Follow the ship’s reporting requirements; seek urgent help if anyone is in immediate danger.
Explain what you need to share and with whom. Protect privacy as far as possible.
- 4
Write down dates, places, words and witnesses.
Clear notes help a fair investigation.
- 5
Respect the victim's privacy; do not spread the story round the ship.
Gossip can harm the victim again and discourage reporting.
3Key data
- New STCW competence
- MSC.560(108), in force 1 January 2026
- Covers
- Violence, harassment, sexual harassment, bullying, sexual assault
- Industry guidance
- ICS/ITF Guidance on Eliminating Shipboard Harassment and Bullying
- Complaint route
- Company procedure and MLC on-board complaint procedure
4Key points
- 1
STCW basic training covers violence and harassment since 1 January 2026 (MSC.560(108)).
- 2
Bullying is repeated hostile behaviour; sexual assault is a crime.
- 3
Harm ranges from degrading remarks to assault; respond early rather than waiting for escalation.
- 4
Power imbalance, isolation, stress, fatigue and alcohol make abuse more likely.
- 5
Intervene if safe, report, keep notes, support the victim and respect privacy.
5Frequent mistakes
Wrong: Rough jokes about someone are just part of life at sea.
Right: Jokes that humiliate are harassment and can grow into worse. Say it is not acceptable.
Wrong: If the harasser is senior, there is nothing a rating can do.
Right: Report to the master or the company's designated person ashore, or use the MLC complaint procedure.
6Practice case & exam keys
A new deck cadet tells you quietly that an officer keeps sending her messages about her body and blocking her way in the alleyway. She asks you not to tell anyone because she fears losing her place.
Show the answer
Listen, believe her and say it is not her fault. Do not promise secrecy: explain what the ship's reporting rules require you to share and with whom. Offer to go with her to the master, designated person ashore or MLC complaint route, bypassing the officer. Complaining must not lead to punishment. Help preserve messages and dated notes. Respect her choices where possible, follow reporting duties and protect her privacy. Seek urgent help if anyone is in immediate danger.
Exam keys
- MSC.560(108) added violence and harassment to table A-VI/1-4, in force 1 Jan 2026.
- Definitions: harassment, sexual harassment, bullying (repeated), sexual assault (a crime); continuum of harm.
- Contributing factors: abuse of power, discrimination, stress, isolation, fatigue, drugs, alcohol.
- Respond: intervene if safe, report, record, support with a trauma-informed approach.
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