Bullying & Sexual Harassment Prevention Training for Seafarers

The purpose of this online course is to equip seafarers of all ranks and positions with the knowledge, skills, and awareness needed to recognise, prevent, and respond effectively to bullying, harassment, and sexual harassment. It aims to foster a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment on board by promoting understanding of rights, responsibilities, reporting procedures, and practical strategies to address inappropriate behaviour, ensuring the well-being and professional integrity of all crew members.
      

The course has been designed taking into consideration the following Codes & Organisations:

• STCW Table A-VI/1-4 (Contribute to the Prevention of Violence & Harassment at Sea)
• Resolution MSC.560 (108): Amendments to Part A of the Seafarers Training, Certification & Watchkeeping (STCW) Code
• ILO C190: Violence and Harassment Convention, 2019 (No.190)
• European Community Shipowners’ Associations (ECSA), & European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF) Eliminating Workplace Harassment and Bullying: Guidelines to Shipping Companies.
• International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), and the International Transport Workers Federation (ITF) Guidance on Eliminating Shipboard Harassment & Bullying.
      

The course comprises of five key Learning Outcomes, Learning Confirmation Questions after each Learning Outcome, and a final Course Assessment. This course is Approved under the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS). The course Learning Outcomes are as follows:

1. Recognise unacceptable behaviour on board
2. Understand why bullying, violence, and sexual harassment are a safety issue
3. Demonstrate appropriate behaviour and personal responsibility on board
4. Know how to report bullying, violence, or sexual harassment
5. Respond appropriately when experiencing or witnessing unacceptable behaviour
          

The Bullying & Sexual Harassment Prevention Training for Seafarers Course includes the following subjects:

• Recognise Unacceptable Behaviour on Board
• What Is Meant by Bullying, Violence, & Sexual Harassment
• Forms of Unacceptable Behaviour: Verbal, Physical, Non-Verbal, & Digital
• Understand Why Bullying, Violence, & Sexual Harassment Are Safety Issues
• How Unacceptable Behaviour Affects Mental and Physical Health
• How Poor Behaviour Damages Teamwork and Communication
• How Stress, Fear, or Fatigue Increase the Risk of Accidents
• How Respectful Behaviour Supports Safe Ship Operations
• Demonstrate Appropriate Behaviour & Personal Responsibility On Board
• Know How to Report Bullying, Violence, or Sexual Harassment
• Key Reporting Contacts on Board
• Principles of Reporting & Rationale for Prompt Reporting
• Overcoming Barriers to Reporting
• Key Principles of Confidentiality
• Understanding That Retaliation or Victimisation Is Not Acceptable
• Why Protection Against Retaliation Matters
• Additional Guidance and Best Practice
• Responding Appropriately When Experiencing or Witnessing Unacceptable Behaviour
• Safe Actions to Take if They Witness Unacceptable Behaviour
• Understand When to Seek Help if They or Others Feel Unsafe or Distressed
• Recognise the Importance of Supporting Colleagues and Not Ignoring Unsafe Behaviour

Each module is split into multiple sub-topics, making this an informative and relevant course for crew and staff.
     

It doesn’t matter who you are or what ship you’re on; bullying and sexual harassment can affect anyone at sea. Life on the water brings its own unique pressures: working with crews from all over the world, living in close quarters, and spending long stretches away from home. In this environment, trust, teamwork, and respect aren’t just nice-to-haves; they are what keeps you safe and working well together.

This course is for every seafarer, from the newest deckhand to the Captain. Whether you’re on a cargo ship, a fishing trawler, a cruise liner, or a superyacht, these skills are essential. When you know how to recognise, prevent, and respond to harmful behaviour, you help build a safer, more respectful culture on board; one where everyone can do their job with confidence.
      

• Promotes a safe and respectful shipboard environment where all crew members can work and live with confidence.
• Equips you to act early by recognising bullying or harassment before situations escalate.
• Supports adherence to maritime regulations and company policies, helping you understand your rights and responsibilities at sea.
• Protects the mental health and well-being of your crew, boosting morale, trust, and teamwork.
• Encourages clear and effective reporting, so every voice is heard and appropriate action is taken.
• Shows commitment to professional conduct and the welfare of everyone on board.
• Strengthens your vessel’s reputation and helps retain skilled, motivated crew.
      

Upon completion of this fully online course, there is a short assessment of randomly-selected questions taken from a larger bank of multiple choice questions. The purpose of this assessment is to demonstrate your understanding of the material and your retention of the information provided.
   

Upon successful completion of this online course, the learner will receive an American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) Approved Certificate for Bullying & Sexual Harassment Prevention Training and has achieved a good understanding of the material provided.
   

VIRSEC offers scalable bulk discounts on this courses for teams of any size. Larger groups receive greater savings. To discuss your requirements and get a personalised quote, contact our training team at training@virsec.org or call +44 (0)161 763 4427.