Starting 1 January 2026, every seafarer taking or renewing their STCW Basic Safety Training will face an important change.
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has approved an amendment to the STCW Code that adds new learning standards about violence and harassment prevention, including bullying and sexual misconduct at sea.
This isn’t a new module bolted onto old rules—it’s an upgrade to what “safety” means in maritime work. And for crews, recruiters, and training providers who follow SeaEmploy.com, it’s a regulation worth preparing for now.
What’s Actually Changing
The update comes through IMO Resolution MSC.560(108), which modifies Table A-VI/1-4 of the STCW Code.
This table outlines competencies for Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities—one of the four parts of Basic Safety Training.
The new requirement adds a line under “Competence”:
“Contribute to the prevention of and response to violence and harassment, including sexual harassment, bullying and sexual assault.”
From 1 January 2026 onward, seafarers must show that they’ve received approved instruction on this subject and passed an assessment verifying that knowledge.
That means training centers worldwide are now rewriting course materials, updating lesson plans, and seeking reapproval from flag administrations.
Why This Change Matters
For decades, maritime safety training has focused on physical hazards: fire, flooding, survival, and first aid.
But crews also face interpersonal risks that can be just as damaging. Cases of harassment, assault, and discrimination onboard have drawn more attention in recent years, especially on mixed-gender and multinational vessels.
The IMO amendment recognizes this reality. By including violence and harassment prevention within Basic Safety Training, regulators are saying that crew conduct and workplace culture directly affect ship safety.
As Safety4Sea points out, this change aims to give every seafarer—not just officers—basic tools to recognize abuse, intervene safely, and report incidents correctly.
What Training Will Look Like
Under the 2026 rule, training providers will add new content within the Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities section.
According to SQE Marine, the topics will likely include:
- Types and signs of harassment, bullying, and sexual assault
- How misconduct impacts victims, bystanders, and safety on board
- Contributing factors such as fatigue, stress, isolation, and misuse of authority
- Steps to take when witnessing or experiencing harassment
- How to report concerns through safe and confidential channels
The goal isn’t to turn seafarers into HR specialists but to ensure they understand that these behaviors are safety issues, not just moral or social ones.
Assessments may involve scenario discussions or short written tests—methods that focus on understanding rather than memorization.
What Seafarers Should Do Now
If you work at sea or plan to join the industry soon, this rule will affect your certification path.
Here are a few practical steps:
- Check your renewal date.
If your Basic Safety certificate expires in 2025, you can renew under current standards. If it expires later, you’ll need the updated version. - Choose a compliant training provider.
Before enrolling, confirm that the school has approval to teach the new STCW content. Many will announce updates on their websites by mid-2025. - Stay informed through credible sources.
Keep an eye on SeaEmploy for updates from flag administrations and training organizations. Regulations may differ slightly between countries. - Encourage awareness onboard.
Discuss these topics with your colleagues and management. A supportive onboard culture makes the transition smoother for everyone.
Implications for Employers and Crewing Managers
The update also shifts responsibilities for ship operators, manning agents, and recruiters.
Starting in 2026, companies will have to verify that all new or returning seafarers hold the updated certification.
Failure to do so could lead to non-compliance findings during flag audits or port state control inspections.
Recruiters should also update job listings to reflect the new STCW standards. Mentioning “STCW Basic Safety (2026 version)” or “including harassment prevention training” helps ensure applicants understand what’s required.
For cruise and offshore operators—sectors where crew welfare is closely scrutinized—early compliance will send the right signal to regulators and jobseekers alike.
Companies may also consider offering internal workshops or short awareness refreshers to bridge the gap between current and new training requirements.
What Training Centers Need to Prepare
Training institutions are already adapting.
According to People at Sea, many maritime schools have begun incorporating behavioral safety, inclusion, and leadership topics into existing courses.
To stay compliant, centers must:
- Update lesson content and materials to include the new competence
- Train instructors to handle sensitive discussions professionally
- Apply for reapproval from their flag or accreditation authority
- Adjust course duration if necessary (though most expect only minor extensions)
Schools that move early can avoid administrative backlogs as 2026 approaches—and can market themselves as forward-thinking providers.
Beyond Compliance: The Broader Impact
This update might seem small on paper, but its ripple effects could be significant.
By formalizing how crews learn about respect and responsibility, the IMO has tied personal behavior directly to professional competence.
That’s an important step toward preventing the kinds of incidents that quietly undermine morale and safety onboard.
For younger seafarers and cadets, this reform could help normalize open discussion about workplace behavior and mental wellbeing.
For senior crew, it’s a reminder that leadership also means setting a tone of trust and fairness.
In practical terms, this rule may also reduce turnover. Crews who feel safe and supported tend to stay longer, which benefits operators struggling with recruitment and retention.
How SeaEmploy.com Will Follow the Transition
At SeaEmploy.com, we cover STCW news, maritime recruitment trends, and offshore workforce developments daily.
As flag administrations release their individual implementation circulars throughout 2025, we’ll publish summaries comparing how different countries interpret the rule—especially regarding refresher courses and certificate endorsements.
We’ll also track how employers adjust their training budgets and how recruitment patterns shift once the 2026 requirement becomes mandatory.
If you want to stay ready for the change, bookmark our STCW Updates section and subscribe to our newsletter.
Preparing for 2026
The STCW 2026 amendment doesn’t add more bureaucracy—it adds awareness.
From January next year, every seafarer will need to show they understand not only how to survive a fire or abandon ship but also how to maintain a respectful, safe workplace.
The best approach now is simple:
- Training centers should finalize updates before mid-2025.
- Employers should verify upcoming hires’ certification timelines.
- Seafarers should plan their next renewal early and choose approved providers.
The IMO’s decision reminds the industry that safety isn’t just about equipment and drills. It’s also about people—and how they treat each other at sea.
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