New Alliance Targets Sexual Misconduct at Sea
The All Aboard Alliance has launched Unspoken, a project to develop a global framework for companies to better identify, prevent, and respond to unwanted sexual behaviour aboard vessels.There is strong evidence that sexual misconduct at sea is both widespread and significantly underreported, said the Alliance. A 2025 report found that 80% of seafarers surveyed had experienced or witnessed a sexual offence at sea within the last five years alone.Unspoken will gather stories from seafarers about their personal experiences with sexual misconduct at sea.
WMU Report Highlights Growing Strain on Seafarers' Work, Health and Retention
The World Maritime University (WMU) has published a new report, In Search of a Sea-Life Balance in an Adverse Environment, shedding light on the realities of seafarers’ work, health and career intentions in today’s shipping industry. Commissioned by the Officers’ Union of International Seamen (OUIS), the study draws on responses from 4,372 seafarers representing 99 nationalities, making it one of the most comprehensive recent surveys of life and work at sea.The findings point to persistently long working hours…
IMO: Raft of Shipping Rules in Place January 1, 2026
A set of amendments to key IMO treaties and Codes have entered into force on January 1, 2026. They include the following: Preventing and responding to bullying, harassment and sexual assaultAmendments to the Seafarers' Training, Certification and Watchkeeping Code (STCW Code) aim to prevent and respond to violence and harassment in the maritime sector, including sexual harassment, bullying and sexual assault.The amendments are included in table A-VI/1-4 (Specification of minimum standard of competence in personal safety and social responsibilities) of the STCW Code.
