Understanding the New STCW Requirements on Violence and Harassment at Sea

Violence and harassment at sea have become a central focus for international regulators, prompting the IMO and ILO to work jointly on improving seafarer welfare. Their collaboration led to significant updates to the STCW Code, with new mandatory requirements adopted in 2024 to ensure all crew — including those working in the superyacht and wider yachting sectors — receive training on recognising, preventing, and responding to bullying, harassment, and sexual assault. These changes, which take effect on 1 January 2026, mark a major step toward strengthening safety, professionalism, and respect across the global maritime workforce.

Mandatory Changes to the PSSR Course

This regulatory shift is reflected most clearly in the mandatory update to the STCW Personal Safety and Social Responsibility (PSSR) course, outlined in Table A-VI/1-4 of the STCW Code. To reinforce safety and welfare standards on all vessels, from commercial ships to private superyachts, the International Maritime Organization adopted Resolution MSC.560(108) on 23 May 2024, introducing new minimum competence requirements that every PSSR course must now address.

What Seafarers and Yacht Crew Must Now Learn

The intent behind these amendments is clear: all seafarers, including superyacht crew and those entering the yachting industry, must understand how to recognize, prevent, and respond to violence and harassment at sea. This includes sexual harassment, bullying, discriminatory behavior, and sexual assault — issues that can occur in any maritime workplace, but which are particularly important to address in close-knit yacht crew environments. The updated PSSR framework ensures these subjects become a core part of basic safety training for anyone beginning a maritime or superyacht career.

Why Awareness Is Essential for Every Crew Member

Given these regulatory changes, it is strongly recommended that all seafarers and yacht crew take active steps to familiarize themselves with the new requirements and deepen their understanding of violence- and harassment-related risks at sea. Awareness is now a central element of professional competence in both commercial shipping and the yachting sector. Crew members at all levels — from entry-level deckhands and stewardesses to officers and senior yacht crew — have a responsibility to understand how harmful behaviors manifest, how they affect onboard culture, and how to respond appropriately and safely.

Supporting Compliance Through Training

To support the maritime and superyacht community in meeting these expectations, Seascope France developed a dedicated online training course — PSSR Prevention of Violence & Harassment At Sea. This fully online, self-paced course explains the recent amendments to the STCW Convention, explores scenarios relevant to superyachts, and provides practical guidance on prevention, intervention, and reporting. It offers a clear pathway for seafarers and yacht crew to meet the knowledge requirements now embedded in the revised PSSR standard ahead of the 2026 deadline.

Building a Safer Culture in the Yachting Industry

Staying informed is not only a matter of regulatory compliance; it is a commitment to safer, more respectful working environments across the maritime and yachting industries. Yacht crew often work in highly pressurised, confined, and guest-focused settings, where understanding early warning signs and responding correctly is critical to maintaining professionalism and crew wellbeing. As both the shipping and superyacht sectors move toward greater accountability and transparency, crew who understand these issues will be better equipped to uphold standards, support colleagues, and contribute to a healthier onboard culture.