Bullying & harassment
MLC 2006 requires owners to have a policy on harassment and bullying (Guideline B4.3.1). The IMO's 2026 STCW comprehensive review introduces mandatory training on prevention. Report through the ship's onboard complaints procedure; if that fails, to the flag state's Designated Person Ashore (DPA), the ITF, ISWAN, or Human Rights at Sea.
Step-by-step
- Document every incident: date, time, location, witnesses, direct quotes.
- Follow the ship's onboard complaint procedure (required to be posted under MLC 2006 Regulation 5.1.5).
- If the Master is the problem, go to the DPA directly — their contact is posted per ISM Code.
- Escalate to the flag state's maritime administration if onboard channels fail.
- For sexual harassment specifically, ISWAN runs a dedicated Yachting Sexual Harassment line and general SeafarerHelp.
Evidence to save
- Contemporaneous diary — dates, times, locations, witnesses, exact wording
- Screenshots of messages / emails / Whatsapp content
- Photographs of any physical evidence (with consent)
- DPA communication thread (confidential under ISM)
What NOT to sign
- NDA or settlement covering the harassment without legal review
- Voluntary sign-off without ensuring the report has been formally received under MLC A5.1.5
Legal basis
MLC 2006 Regulation 5.1.5 (onboard complaint procedures). STCW 2010 Manila Amendments (2026 review adds dedicated B&H module).
Primary sources
- MLC 2006 Reg 4.3 + 2024 amendments (harassment + bullying) · normlex.ilo.org
- ICS / ITF Guidance on Eliminating Shipboard Harassment and Bullying (3rd ed) · ics-shipping.org
- ILO C190 — Violence and Harassment Convention (2019) · normlex.ilo.org
- Rights pillar: bullying / harassment / sexual harassment · seafarerindex.com
Related terms
Organisations that can help
- Global · 24/7
- Global · 24/7 for emergencies
- Global · 24/7
- Asia-Pacific · Mon-Fri 9-17 AEST
- Asia-Pacific · Mon-Fri 9-18 SGT
- Asia-Pacific · Mon-Fri 8-17 AEST
- Europe · Mon-Fri 9-17 GMT, 24/7 distress via HM Coastguard
- Americas · Mon-Fri 8-17 ET
- Global · Office hours (CET)
- Global · Office hours
- Americas · Office hours
- Global · Office hours
Disclaimer. General information only — not legal advice. Rules vary by flag state, port state, vessel type, applicable CBA, and contract. For specific cases, contact ITF, ISWAN, your union, or a maritime lawyer.