The International Maritime Organization (IMO) approved significant amendments to the Seafarers’ Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping (STCW) Code in May 2024, specifically targeting the pervasive issue of violence and harassment within the industry. These amendments are indeed set to enter into force on January 1, 2026.
Significant Amendments
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has introduced significant amendments to the Seafarers’ Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) Code, specifically in Table A-VI/1-4, to address the critical issue of violence and harassment in the maritime sector. These amendments, which aim to create a safer and more respectful working environment at sea, are set to take effect on January 1, 2026.
The updated STCW table requires that competence in this area be demonstrated through an “Assessment of evidence obtained from approved instruction or during attendance at an approved course.” This means that seafarers will now be required to undergo updated training as part of their basic safety courses, as STCW Table A-VI/1-4 is an integral component of basic training.
The revised course content will specifically focus on the prevention of and response to violence and harassment, including sexual harassment, bullying, and sexual assault. Key areas of learning will include:
- Basic knowledge and understanding of violence and harassment: This covers various forms, including sexual harassment, bullying, and sexual assault, and understanding the “continuum of harm” associated with these behaviors.
- Understanding consequences: Seafarers will learn about the repercussions of violence and harassment, including sexual harassment, bullying, and sexual assault, not only on victims but also on perpetrators, bystanders, and various stakeholders, as well as its detrimental effects on safety, health, and overall well-being onboard.
- Identifying contributing factors: The training will educate seafarers on factors that can contribute to violence and harassment, such as abuse of power relations, discrimination, stress, isolation, fatigue, and the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Actionable intervention and reporting: Seafarers will gain basic knowledge of the appropriate actions to take to intervene in and report incidents of violence and harassment, including sexual harassment, bullying, and sexual assault.
- Trauma-informed response: The course will cover the basic principles of trauma-informed response, equipping seafarers with the knowledge to provide appropriate support to victims, bystanders and to manage their own well-being after exposure to such incidents.
These amendments underscore a significant commitment from the IMO to enhance protections for seafarers and promote systemic change in the maritime industry.
Actions Required
Here are the key actions required:
- Update Seafarer Training and Certification:
- Ship Managers/Operators must verify with their Manning Agents and Training Providers that the “Minimum standards of competence in personal safety and social responsibilities” (PSSR) basic course has been updated to cover the new STCW Table A-VI/1-4 requirements.
- It is crucial to ensure that all seafarers on board vessels after January 1, 2026, possess relevant certification or documented evidence of having undergone this updated training. This includes understanding violence and harassment (including sexual harassment, bullying, and sexual assault), their consequences, contributing factors, intervention, reporting procedures, and trauma-informed response.
- Review and Revise Safety Management Systems (SMS):
- Company Safety Management Systems (SMS) must be comprehensively reviewed and updated to incorporate new policies and procedures specifically addressing violence, harassment, sexual harassment, bullying, and sexual assault.
- These updates should outline clear protocols for prevention, reporting, investigation, and disciplinary actions related to such incidents.
- Implement Open Reporting and Support Policies:
- Ensure that all personnel, both onboard and ashore, are covered by an appropriate and robust open reporting policy. This policy should encourage the reporting of all forms of violence, harassment, sexual harassment, bullying, and sexual assault, and guarantee support for those who come forward.
- The policy must clearly define mechanisms for confidential reporting, protection against retaliation for reporters, and provision of care and assistance to victims.
- This includes establishing clear channels for seafarers to report incidents without fear of retribution and ensuring that reported issues are handled with sensitivity, fairness, and prompt action.
Did you subscribe to our Daily newsletter?
It’s Free! Click here to Subscribe!
Source: Safety4sea
