The maritime industry is set to undergo significant changes with the introduction of new requirements under the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) Code, effective from 1 January 2026. This update, spearheaded by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), integrates mandatory competencies related to the prevention of violence, harassment, bullying, and sexual assault on board ships, as detailed in Table A-VI/1-4 of the STCW Code.
Understanding the New IMO Amendments
In May 2024, the IMO passed Resolution MSC.560(108), which amended the STCW Code. These amendments require comprehensive training for all seafarers to develop competencies in preventing and responding to violence and harassment, including bullying and sexual misconduct, on board vessels. This is a notable expansion of the Basic Safety Training (BST), which traditionally covered personal safety, first aid, fire fighting, and survival skills, but did not explicitly address interpersonal violence or harassment.
Basic Safety Training (BST) and PSSR
The term ‘Basic Safety Training’ or BST refers to the essential modules seafarers must complete. The UK, among other countries, certifies these modules separately, including the ‘Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities’ (PSSR) module. This module will now encompass the new competencies addressing violence and harassment.
Who is Affected?
The new requirements are global and apply to all STCW signatory states. They directly impact:
- Deck and engineering officers.
- Ratings and non-officer crew members.
- Crew on yachts and leisure vessels with STCW certification.
- New seafarers and those renewing PSSR certificates as of 2026.
These changes apply across the board, from entry-level positions to captains, ensuring that all seafarers comply with these updated competencies.
Professional Implications for Seafarers
1. Enhanced PSSR Content
The PSSR module will now include:
- Understanding and identifying situations involving violence, harassment, and bullying.
- Recognising factors that contribute to such behaviours, such as isolation and stress.
- Practical preventive measures and response protocols.
- Incident reporting procedures and support for victims/witnesses.
2. Integration into Existing Training
For most countries, this change does not introduce a separate certification. Instead, the new content is integrated into the existing BST framework. Thus:
- New seafarers from 2026 onwards will receive this training as part of their courses.
- Seafarers with existing PSSR certificates will continue to be valid until renewal, at which point they will receive the updated training.
This approach avoids immediate additional training requirements for currently certified seafarers, aligning with national implementation timelines.
Implementation in Key Maritime Nations
Spain
Spain’s maritime authority, the Dirección General de la Marina Mercante, will integrate these amendments into the Basic Safety Training, ensuring that harassment prevention is part of the mandatory PSSR content from 2026. Existing certificates remain valid until expiration.
United Kingdom
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) has instructed training centres to include violence and harassment prevention in the PSSR curriculum starting January 2026. Current PSSR certificates remain valid unless otherwise required by employers or flag states.
Panama
Panama, a major flag state, is aligning its training offerings with the IMO amendments, ensuring compliance with the updated PSSR content, although detailed public guidance is pending.
Impact on Shipping Companies
While the amendments focus on seafarer training, they also impact shipping companies under the International Safety Management (ISM) Code. Companies must:
- Identify and mitigate risks related to ship and crew safety.
- Ensure crew training aligns with company safety systems.
- Include violence and harassment prevention in their Safety Management Systems (SMS).
Failure to incorporate these elements can lead to non-conformities in ISM audits and pose reputational and legal risks.
Advice for Seafarers Facing Harassment
The new STCW competencies provide guidance on dealing with harassment or violence:
- Prioritise personal safety and distance yourself from risky situations.
- Report incidents through the chain of command or alternative company channels if necessary.
- Document incidents comprehensively for any further investigations.
- Seek support from independent organisations like ISWAN.
Reporting incidents is crucial to maintaining a safe working environment and breaking the culture of silence that often surrounds harassment at sea.
Conclusion
The inclusion of anti-harassment competencies in the STCW Code underscores a broader recognition of the importance of psychological safety in maritime operations. These changes, effective from January 2026, reflect a commitment to improving the working conditions on board ships, benefiting both maritime professionals and the industry as a whole.
For further insights and updates, visit WishToSail.com.
Editorial Note: This article has been adapted from Spanish to British English
for the WishToSail.com audience. Original source: QuieroNavegar.app
