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.

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)
• ICS / ITF Guidance on Eliminating Shipboard Harassment and Bullying (3rd ed)
• ILO C190 — Violence and Harassment Convention (2019)
• Rights pillar: bullying / harassment / sexual harassment

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
• ISWAN Yacht Crew Helpline
  Global · 24/7
  📞 +44 20 7323 2737
• ISWAN Australia
  Asia-Pacific · Mon-Fri 9-17 AEST
  📞 +61 1800 071 217
• ISWAN Singapore (SeafarerHelp Asia)
  Asia-Pacific · Mon-Fri 9-18 SGT
  📞 +65 6478 5111
• AMSA (Australian Maritime Safety Authority) — Crew Welfare
  Asia-Pacific · Mon-Fri 8-17 AEST
  📞 +61 2 6279 5000
• MCA (UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency) — Seafarer Welfare
  Europe · Mon-Fri 9-17 GMT, 24/7 distress via HM Coastguard
  📞 +44 20 3817 2000
• USCG Investigative Service — Seafarer Welfare Reports
  Americas · Mon-Fri 8-17 ET
  📞 +1 202 372 2100
• 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

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.