Life at sea is unlike any other workplace. Crews from different cultures, backgrounds, and experiences live and work together in close quarters for weeks or months at a time. This diversity is one of the maritime industry’s greatest strengths—but it also brings challenges. Misunderstandings, tension, or conflict can arise easily in such an intense environment. When these behaviours escalate into harassment or bullying, the consequences can be serious: reduced wellbeing, damaged team cohesion, and even compromised ship safety.
As the maritime sector continues to strengthen its commitment to safe working environments, understanding and preventing harassment onboard is no longer optional. It is a shared responsibility—one that protects individuals, supports healthy teams, and ensures operational integrity.
To support this mission, Marine Pro Academy has developed a focused Harassment and Bullying Prevention Micro‑Course, designed specifically for seafarers and shore‑based personnel.
Why This Training Matters
Harassment and bullying are not just interpersonal issues—they are safety issues. A crew member who feels threatened, intimidated, or unsafe cannot perform at their best. A team that lacks trust cannot operate effectively. And a ship where harmful behaviours go unaddressed is a ship at risk.
This course empowers seafarers with the awareness and practical tools needed to recognize harmful behaviours early, respond appropriately, and contribute to a respectful, supportive shipboard culture.
What You Will Learn
This 45‑minute micro‑course delivers essential knowledge in a clear, practical format. By the end of the training, participants will be able to:
✔ Define key concepts
Understand the differences between:
- Violence
- Harassment
- Bullying
- Sexual harassment
- Sexual assault
- Cyberbullying
Clear definitions help eliminate ambiguity and ensure everyone speaks the same language.
✔ Identify signs and impacts
Learn how harmful behaviours affect:
- Victims
- Perpetrators
- Bystanders
- The wider shipboard team
Recognizing early indicators is crucial for prevention.
✔ Understand contributing factors
Explore how shipboard realities can increase risk:
- Power imbalances
- Stress and fatigue
- Discrimination
- Substance use
- Isolation and long voyages
Awareness helps crews intervene before harm occurs.
✔ Prevent, report, and respond effectively
Gain practical guidance on:
- How to prevent harassment
- How to report incidents safely
- How to respond as a victim, witness, or supervisor
This includes clear steps aligned with international maritime standards.
✔ Support others using trauma‑informed principles
Learn how to respond with empathy, professionalism, and respect—without causing further harm.
Built on International Standards
This course is aligned with the latest global requirements and industry best practices, including:
- ILO C190 – Violence and Harassment Convention (2019)
- IMO RESOLUTION MSC.560(108) – Amendments to Part A of the STCW Code
- STCW Table A‑VI/1‑4
- ECSA & ETF Guidelines on Eliminating Workplace Harassment and Bullying
- ICS & ITF Guidance on Eliminating Shipboard Harassment and Bullying
- Additional industry best practices and modern safety culture principles
Who Should Attend
This course is designed for:
- All shipboard crew (management and operational levels)
- Shore‑based personnel involved in HR, safety, compliance, or crew management
Harassment prevention is a shared responsibility across the entire maritime workforce.
Certification
Participants receive an ABS‑recognized certificate, demonstrating compliance with the latest training expectations and supporting both personal and organizational safety culture goals.
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