IMO Issues New Training Requirement on Violence and Harassment Prevention

29 Sep 2026 by John F. Flanagan MSc AFNI

Update, 29 SEP 2026: On September 25, 2026, the Coast Guard published Policy Letter 01-26 "AMENDMENTS TO STCW BASIC TRAINING REQUIREMENTS FOR PERSONAL SAFETY AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITIES". It requires a separate, Coast Guard-approved Prevention of Violence and Harassment course. This article (posted in December 2025) originally said our PSSR course (MARTPT-359) already includes this training. That statement is now out of date. Our PSSR course covers this topic area but does not replace the separate course that will be required by the USCG in 2029.

If you completed PSSR or BT Refresher, you still meet today's requirement. You will need the new course for an original BT endorsement starting October 1, 2029, or at your first renewal (either BT Refresher OR BT Revalidation) after September 30, 2029. 

IMO Issues New Training Requirement on Violence and Harassment Prevention

The new International Maritime Organization (IMO) Resolution MSC.560(108) introduces a change to seafarer training that affects all entry-level safety instruction effective on January 1st, 2026. The resolution amends the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) Code Table A-VI/1-4 to include training on preventing and responding to violence and harassment. This includes bullying, sexual harassment, and sexual assault. The goal is to strengthen crew readiness, promote reporting, and support safer shipboard environments.

The updated STCW table now requires students to learn how to recognize inappropriate behavior, respond to incidents, and support a respectful workplace. The change applies to all administrations and training providers offering the Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities course.

This update is the first time the STCW Code places mandatory training on violence and harassment within basic safety instruction. It reflects concerns raised across the maritime sector and aligns with other international efforts to improve seafarer welfare and retention.

Does MPT's PSSR course or PSSR portion of Basic Training Refresher Meet the Requirement?

MPT's Personal Safety & Social Responsibilities (PSSR) (MARTPT-359) and MPT's Basic Training Refresher (MARPT-68) course includes a module on the Prevention of Violence, Harassment, and Abuse. The module introduces the topic. It does not replace the separate approved course the Coast Guard will require in October of 2029 and beyond. 

The Coast Guard will accept completion of the Maritime Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment (SASH) Prevention and Response eLearning Program, developed by the Ship Operations Cooperative Program (SOCP) to meet the Prevention of Violence and Harassment, Including Sexual Harassment, Bullying and Sexual Assault training requirement. Mariners having completed this course should provide a training certificate that verifies successful completion of the SOCP course. The course is currently available to all and is free of charge.

Completion of an approved Prevention of Violence and Harassment, Including Sexual Harassment, Bullying and Sexual Assault course is not a one-time or “gap-closing” requirement. It will be required every five years to maintain the standard of competence for BT beginning in October 2029.

If your management company or home office has already been providing relevant training to their constituent mariners, the Coast Guard will consider acceptance of this training conducted prior to October 1, 2029, if it is determined the training meets the standard of competence in the STCW Code. If your company seeks acceptance of such training should submit a request for acceptance of the training to the National Maritime Center with supporting documents that demonstrate the training meets the new standards of competence and a copy of the course completion certificate or letter issued to students successfully completing the course.

Make time to check on your shipmates. Report any violence, harassment, or abuse through your ship’s command without delay. You may also submit information directly to the U.S. Coast Guard through CGIS Tips.