Shipowners warned STCW compliance alone will not stop bullying at sea

As the maritime industry prepares for the introduction of amendments on bullying and harassment training under the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) Convention, health and wellbeing experts are warning shipowners not to treat the changes as a mere compliance exercise.

New STCW amendments introduce trauma-informed training from 2026

From January 2026, seafarers will receive mandatory training on the effects of bullying and harassment onboard ships. The amendments introduce a trauma-informed approach, recognizing that individuals experience and respond to bullying and harassment differently. While the move is being welcomed as a significant step forward for crew welfare, industry specialists stress that meaningful change will depend on leadership engagement and practical implementation.

Leadership commitment seen as critical to real cultural change

OneCare Group has cautioned that the effectiveness of the new training will hinge on whether shipowners embed its principles into everyday operations. The group argues that without genuine commitment from senior management, the amendments risk becoming another box-ticking exercise.

Dr Jens Tülsner, CEO of Marine Medical Solutions and a member of OneCare Group, emphasized that bullying and harassment extend far beyond emotional harm.

Any kind of negative emotional stress may cause physical impact, like psychosomatic disorders, impaired immune response and consequences of long-term raised stress-hormone levels 

… he said, underscoring the link between mental wellbeing and physical health at sea.

Rising reports underline need for sustained, practical training

Charles Watkins, Director of Clinical Operations at Mental Health Support Solutions, described the trauma-informed approach as a potential turning point for the industry if applied correctly. “It helps crews see the real impact of bullying and harassment and encourages more thoughtful, safer ways to respond,” he noted.

But it must be part of daily safety practice and supported by leadership. A one-off workshop will not work 

Mr Watkins also noted an increase in reports of bullying and harassment received through industry helplines. While it remains unclear whether this reflects a rise in incidents or greater willingness to report them, he said the growing number of women working at sea highlights the need for stronger education, prevention and support mechanisms.

Building connection and empathy highlighted as a preventative measure

Gisa Paredes, Managing Director of WellAtSea, pointed to interpersonal connection among crew as a key factor in preventing bullying and harassment. “When we get to know the people around us a little better, we gain a sense of empathy for them,” she said. “We often fear what we do not know, and bullying can be a reaction to that fear.”

Industry leaders warn against superficial compliance

Marinos Kokkinis, CEO of OneCare Group, said the maritime sector has long treated wellbeing as optional rather than essential.

We have normalized a culture where wellbeing is seen as something to be discussed at conferences but rarely embedded in daily operations 

… he commented.

While welcoming the introduction of mandatory training in 2026, Marinos Kokkinis warned against superficial implementation. “If this becomes just another eLearning module followed by a tick in a box, the maritime sector will have missed the point entirely,” he said. “This training must reflect the real-life dynamics of life at sea and address not only obvious cases of bullying, but also the quieter, more insidious behaviors that often go unnoticed or unchallenged.”

Industry urged to view amendments as a catalyst for long-term change

As the 2026 deadline approaches, experts agree that the success of the IMO amendments will depend on whether shipowners and operators treat them as a catalyst for lasting cultural change rather than simply another regulatory requirement.

source : safety4sea