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

1. Document every incident: date, time, location, witnesses, direct quotes.
2. Follow the ship's onboard complaint procedure (required to be posted under MLC 2006 Regulation 5.1.5).
3. If the Master is the problem, go to the DPA directly — their contact is posted per ISM Code.
4. Escalate to the flag state's maritime administration if onboard channels fail.
5. For sexual harassment specifically, ISWAN runs a dedicated Yachting Sexual Harassment line and general SeafarerHelp.

Legal basis

MLC 2006 Regulation 5.1.5 (onboard complaint procedures). STCW 2010 Manila Amendments (2026 review adds dedicated B&H module).

Organisations that can help

• ISWAN SeafarerHelp
  Global · 24/7
  📞 +44 800 012 1004
  💬 WhatsApp +44 7909 470732
• ITF Seafarers
  Global · 24/7 for emergencies
  📞 +44 20 7403 2733
• ILO MLC Complaints
  Global · Office hours (CET)
  📞 +41 22 799 7501
• Seafarers' Rights International
  Global · Office hours
  📞 +44 20 7253 0161
• SINDMAR (Brazil) — Sindicato Nacional dos Oficiais da Marinha Mercante
  Americas · Office hours
  📞 +55 21 2253 4343
• Human Rights at Sea
  Global · Office hours
  📞 +44 23 9431 6113