Prevention of Violence and Harassment Onboard
From 1 January 2026, mandatory PSSR training includes for the first time a specific competence on preventing and responding to violence, sexual harassment, bullying and sexual assault on board.
Operational Explanation
The STCW amendments in force from 1 January 2026 introduce a new mandatory minimum competence in Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities (PSSR) training, relating to the prevention of and response to violence and harassment on board, including sexual harassment, bullying and sexual assault. The competence is inserted into Table A-VI/1-4 of the STCW Code and applies globally to all seafarers undertaking PSSR training from this date onward.
The training programme covers: what constitutes violence and harassment on board, the consequences for ship safety, crew wellbeing and mental health, risk factors (power imbalance, isolation, fatigue, stress, alcohol), the ability to recognise unacceptable behaviour at an early stage, reporting and intervention procedures, and the basic principles of a trauma-informed response for interacting correctly with victims and witnesses.
Prevention also needs an organisational response: risk assessment, accessible contacts, conflict-of-interest management and appropriate assistance. Applicable duties arise from STCW, MLC, national law and the SMS; the IMO review of ISM guidelines is not itself a new requirement in force. Dedicated channels and specialist support are measures to design for the risk: this does not establish a universal ISM requirement for a channel physically separate from whistleblowing.
Regulatory Reference
STCW Code, Table A-VI/1-4 (Specification of minimum standard of competence in personal safety and social responsibilities) — amendments adopted by resolution MSC.560(108) of 23 May 2024, in force from 1 January 2026, introducing the competence “Contribute to the prevention of and response to violence and harassment, including sexual harassment, bullying and sexual assault”. Training delivered from 1 January 2026 must meet the amended table. The amendments do not establish a five-year PSSR validity or revalidation cycle: the treatment of seafarers already trained, any updating courses and the form of documentary evidence follow the relevant Administration's implementation and the arrangements of approved training providers. To be kept separate: the revision of the ISM Code Implementation Guidelines runs to 2028 and is considering recommendations on the Company's shore-side responsibility — confidential reporting infrastructure, psychological support and victim assistance. These are proposals, not current ISM requirements; duties in this area may however already arise from the MLC, national law and Company procedures.
Scope of Application
Every seafarer undertaking PSSR training from 1 January 2026, and every Company responsible for putting in place prevention policies and reporting/intervention procedures for violence and harassment on board.
Procedure / How to Complete It
- Verify that PSSR training delivered from 1 January 2026 includes the competence in table A-VI/1-4 as amended by MSC.560(108).
- For personnel already trained, check the competent Administration's implementation and required evidence; do not invent five-year expiry periods.
- Define responsibilities, safe reporting access and safeguards for confidentiality and conflicts of interest in policies and procedures under applicable requirements.
- Prepare crew and designated contacts to recognise risks and respond respectfully using trauma-informed principles and appropriate assistance.
- Distinguish current duties, adopted Company measures and IMO proposals still under review.
Practical Example
Example: the Company supplements new-joiner familiarization with ship-specific contacts, reporting procedures and assistance arrangements. Separately verify documentation of PSSR training and any updating required by the Administration. A Company induction module does not automatically replace approved STCW training and assessment.
What Typically Goes Wrong
Common Mistakes Mistake Library
| Mistake | Consequence | How to avoid it |
|---|---|---|
| PSSR course delivered from 2026 without the new competence | Training does not meet the amended table | Verify the training programme and approval |
| ISM guidelines review presented as a new requirement in force | Legal basis and Company measures become confused | Separate current STCW, national/MLC duties and future proposals |
| Reporting channel exists but is inaccessible or conflicted | Reports are discouraged or mishandled | Provide suitable access and safeguards for the case |
What the PSCO Checks
Operational Tips
- Check the PSSR programme and flag implementation, not just the certificate date.
- Use contacts and procedures equipped for sensitivity, confidentiality and conflicts of interest; a dedicated channel may be an organisational choice, not a universal ISM requirement.
- Do not present IMO review proposals as requirements already adopted.
Preparation checklist
Educational checklist. This summary supports learning and preparation only. It does not replace the vessel’s approved procedures, manuals, statutory documents, company SMS, or applicable official requirements. Completing it demonstrates neither compliance nor readiness for an inspection: it shows that a list has been read, not that the ship is in order. Always verify the current documents carried on board.
- PSSR training from 2026 meets the amended table
- Administration's treatment of previous training checked
- Policies, responsibilities and safeguards meet applicable duties
- Response and assistance arrangements are accessible
- Current requirements distinguished from IMO proposals
FAQ
Related Topics
Last substantive revision of this page: 15 September 2026 · page fingerprint 0cd757096049