The International Maritime Organization  is developing training requirements to combat bullying and harassment, including sexual harassment, in the maritime sector.

Opening a joint meeting between the IMO and the International Labour Organization on the issue today in London, IMO Secretary-General, Mr. Arsenio Dominguez said:

“We remain steadfast in our commitment to creating a safe and respectful working environment on board. Recognizing that this is not only a moral imperative but also a practical necessity for the industry’s sustainable growth, we are committed to preventing and combatting bullying and harassment in the maritime sector.”

The Joint ILO/IMO Tripartite Working Group (JTWG) works to identify and address challenges seafarers face in their line of work. From 27 to 29 February, the group will consider future steps, for example, legislation, mechanisms and policies for reporting and addressing of bullying and harassment, including sexual assault and sexual harassment (SASH), in the maritime sector.

The joint working group will consider draft amendments to the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) Code, to prevent and respond to bullying and harassment in the maritime sector, including sexual assault and sexual harassment (SASH).

Findings and recommendations of the JTWG will be submitted to the IMO’s Maritime Safety Committee at its next meeting in May 2024 and to the ILO Governing Body.