Seafarers Need Crisis Support and Protection From Harassment at Sea
From 1 January 2026, amendments to table A-VI/1-4 of the STCW Code entered into force. They introduce mandatory training for all seafarers on preventing and responding to violence and harassment at sea, including sexual harassment, bullying, and sexual assault, according to the IMO.
The amendments became part of mandatory basic training under personal safety and social responsibilities. According to the IMO, they were developed following discussions in 2022, approved by MSC 107 in 2023, reviewed by the joint ILO/IMO tripartite working group in February 2024, and adopted at MSC 108 in May 2024.
For Ukrainian seafarers, support is especially relevant because of work in crisis conditions. ITF Seafarers reported that MTWTU signed a Memorandum of Cooperation with the State Service for Maritime, Inland Waterway Transport and Shipping of Ukraine. The memorandum confirms joint work to protect Ukrainian maritime transport workers’ labour rights and to develop opportunities for future seafarers to gain professional qualifications that meet international convention requirements in merchant shipping.
The memorandum also provides special attention to assisting Ukrainian seafarers who face crises while working on merchant ships, from traversing war zones to maintaining mental health.
MTWTU Chair Oleg Grygoriuk called the memorandum an important step for Ukraine’s maritime industry and stressed the readiness of government agencies and trade unions to work together for decent working conditions for seafarers. Yevhenii Ihnatenko, Head of the State Service for Maritime, Inland Waterway Transport and Shipping of Ukraine, said Ukrainians risk their lives every day while working to support global food security.
Mental wellbeing resources for seafarers are also available through maritime organisations. The Mission to Seafarers provides mental health materials, including a wellbeing strategies poster available in Ukrainian, English, Russian, and Tagalog. The guide Caring for Seafarers' Mental Wellbeing also lists options for professional support, including port chaplains, psychological care in port, and telemedicine services.