Overview
In May 2024, the IMO approved amendments to the Seafarers’ Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping (STCW) Code aimed at combating and reducing violence and harassment within the maritime industry. These amendments, which will enter into force on 1 January 2026, are set out in Table A-VI/1-4, which specifies the minimum standards of competence in personal safety and social responsibilities.
The amendments introduce a new mandatory minimum requirement for seafarers’ training and instruction concerning the prevention of, and response to, sexual assault, sexual harassment, bullying, and other forms of harassment on board ships.
Background
In particular, the IMO MSC 108, taking into consideration the recommendations of ILO/IMO Joint Tripartite Working Group (JTWG) on the issue, decided to amend STCW Table A-VI/1-4. Previously, this table included six items in the competence column (Column 1); the revised version introduces an additional item titled: “Contribute to the prevention of and response to violence and harassment, including sexual harassment, bullying, and sexual assault.”
According to the updated STCW table, the methods for demonstrating competence (column 3) is through “Assessment of evidence obtained from approved instruction or during attendance at an approved course.”
This means seafarers will be required to undergo updated training as part of their basic safety courses, given that STCW Table A-VI/1-4 forms part of basic training. The revised course will cover the new requirements, focusing on the prevention of and response to violence and harassment, including:
- Basic knowledge and understanding of violence and harassment, including sexual harassment, bullying and sexual assault, and the continuum of harm
- Basic knowledge and understanding of the consequences of violence and harassment, including sexual harassment, bullying and sexual assault on victims, perpetrators, bystanders and stakeholders, and its effects on safety, health and wellbeing
- Understand that, among others, abuse of power relations, discrimination, stress, isolation, fatigue, drugs or alcohol may contribute to violence and harassment, including sexual harassment, bullying and sexual assault
- Basic knowledge of the action to take to intervene in and report violence and harassment, including sexual harassment, bullying and sexual assault
- Understand the basic principles of trauma-informed response and how to provide appropriate support to a victim, bystanders and self
As of July 2025, the IMO Model Course 1.19, which relates to the minimum standards of competence in personal safety and social responsibilities, has not yet been revised. In addition, MSC 108 has outlined several actions for all stakeholders, including the implementation of policies, the establishment of open reporting procedures, measures to prevent retaliation against those who report incidents, and the provision of care and assistance to victims.
Actions required
Ship Managers/Operators should be prepared for the new STCW requirements, taking into consideration the following:
- Check with their Manning Agents/Training providers that the Basic course for “Minimum standards of competence in personal safety and social responsibilities” covers the new requirements for seafarers, as those on board after 01-01-2026 should have relevant certification or evidence of such training
- Review Safety Management Systems, to include the required Policies and procedures
- Ensure that all onboard and ashore personnel is covered by appropriate open reporting policy and support on violence, harassment, sexual harassment, bullying, sexual assault, and continuum of harm
How we may help
SQEMARINE can assist ship managers/operators on the development for new or revision of existing SMS procedures to conform with above guidelines.
