Introduction to Sexual Harassment Awareness in the Maritime Workplace

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

• 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.
• 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
• International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), and the International Transport Workers Federation (ITF) Guidance on Eliminating Shipboard Harassment & Bullying.

The aim of this course is to equip maritime personnel with the knowledge, awareness, and confidence to identify, prevent, and appropriately address sexual harassment in the workplace. By promoting respectful behaviour and reinforcing legal and organisational responsibilities, the course supports a safer, more inclusive working environment that enables the well-being and performance of all crew members.

The Sexual Harassment Awareness for the Maritime Workplace Course includes the following subjects:

• Course Welcome & Introduction
• Introduction to Sexual Harassment in the Maritime Context
• Maritime Work Culture & Risk Factors
• Legal & Regulatory Frameworks
• Reporting, Response & Support Systems
• Leadership, Bystander Intervention & Accountability
• Prevention & Cultural Change
• Resources

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

Upon successful completion of the course, participants will be able to:

1. Define sexual harassment and recognise behaviours that constitute harassment in a maritime context.
2. Understand the legal and organisational frameworks that govern workplace conduct at sea.
3. Identify the indicators, impacts, and consequences of harassment for individuals, teams, and operations.
4. Demonstrate appropriate responses to incidents, including reporting procedures and support pathways.
5. Apply strategies to contribute to a positive and respectful workplace culture on-board.
6. Reflect on personal attitudes, biases, and responsibilities in preventing harassment.
7. Promote awareness and encourage others to uphold professional standards of conduct.

Sexual harassment awareness and prevention applies to everyone in the maritime industry; every vessel, every rank, every location. Maritime teams rely on trust, professionalism, and strong collaboration. With multicultural crews, long periods at sea, and confined living and working spaces, respectful behaviour is essential to safety and wellbeing. This course supports individuals and organisations across the entire sector. From commercial shipping, ferries, offshore energy, cruise lines, fishing vessels, superyachts, and naval fleets to ports, terminals, offices, recruitment, and shore-based operations; every maritime workplace benefits from an inclusive, harassment-free culture.

Sexual harassment remains a serious concern in the maritime industry, where crews live and work in close quarters for long periods. Even a single incident can leave lasting personal impacts and undermine team cohesion, performance, and safety. Raising awareness is essential to a healthy onboard culture, and organisations are increasingly expected to take proactive steps that protect all personnel. This course gives seafarers and shore staff the knowledge to recognise inappropriate behaviour early and respond effectively. By promoting respect, accountability, and clear reporting routes, it supports a safer, more inclusive maritime workplace where everyone can perform at their best.

• Helps create a safer, more respectful and inclusive working environment on board.
• Reduces the risk of incidents escalating by building awareness and early intervention skills.
• Supports compliance with international regulations, maritime codes of conduct, and company policies.
• Protects the mental health and well-being of crew members while improving morale and teamwork.
• Encourages appropriate reporting and response procedures, ensuring every voice is heard.
• Demonstrates a company’s commitment to professional conduct and employee welfare.
• Strengthens organisational reputation and helps attract and retain talented personnel.

Upon completion of this fully online course, there is a short assessment, of 30 randomly-selected questions taken from a larger bank of multiple choice, and true or false statement questions. The purpose of this assessment is to demonstrate your understanding of the material and your retention of the information provided.

The duration of the online Introduction to Sexual Harassment Awareness for the Maritime Workplace Course is approximately 2 hours.

Upon successful completion of this online course, the learner will receive an American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) Approved Certificate for Introduction to Sexual Harassment Awareness in the Maritime Workplace and has achieved a good understanding of the material provided.