by Lloyd's List
SHIPOWNERS will soon be required to ensure crews have been trained in issues surrounding bullying at sea, the world’s largest marine insurer has warned.
The requirement forms part of amendments to the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping convention, which come into force on the first day of next year.
The revisions were agreed by the International Maritime Organization in May 2024, and are formally set out in Table A-VI/1-4.
Seafarers will be required to undergo updated training as part of their basic safety courses.
According to an analysis by Gard, operators and crewing agencies will have to ensure that seafarers are equipped with a basic understanding of harassment and its consequences, using the so-called trauma-informed approach.
“Trauma occurs when a person is exposed to an extremely stressful, frightening or distressing event that overwhelms their ability to cope,” noted Gard’s Kunal Pathak and Siri Skjørestad.
“Such experiences are highly individual. What traumatises one person may not affect another in the same way.”
Trauma can result from a single severe incident or from an accumulation of smaller harmful events over time, such as ongoing harassment or bullying.
When someone experiences trauma, their brain’s emotional centre, known as the limbic system, takes over, triggering survival responses.
There are several potential responses, the most familiar of which is the “fight or flight” response. In practice, “freezing” or “flopping” are more common.
The freeze response involves sudden immobility. Muscles tense and breathing stills, resulting in physical and emotional paralysis.
With flopping, the body collapses or becomes limp, with a sense of numbness or detachment from reality.
Both responses are survival mechanisms, not conscious choices, and can be misinterpreted by others as just passivity or even consent.
Freezing or flopping can engender feelings of guilt and shame, and often leads to hiding or suppressive behaviour, which can hinder people from seeking help.
After-effects of trauma can include confusion, memory gaps, denial, anxiety, mood swings, headaches, fatigue and trouble sleeping.
If unaddressed, the effects may persist and develop into post-traumatic stress disorder, with symptoms including depression, anxiety and substance abuse.
PTSD can weaken the immune system, increasing the risk of illnesses, including severe conditions such as heart disease or autoimmune diseases.
Pathak and Skjørestad argue that acceptance of sexist jokes and remarks can contribute towards an unhealthy vessel culture.
Crew members might then consider such behaviour acceptable, even if they might not agree with it personally.
However, sexist humour can shape attitudes, reduce empathy and lower resistance to harassment. Speaking up can trigger reflection and instigate change.
A trauma-informed approach entails recognising the widespread impact of trauma; knowing the signs and symptoms; and integrating knowledge about trauma into policies, procedures and practices.
Shipowners should seek confirmation from their manning agents and/or training providers that basic courses covering minimum standards of competence in personal safety and social responsibilities meet the new stipulations.
Seafarers on board ships after January 1, 2026 should have relevant certification or evidence of such training.
