Seafarers around the globe have been called to unite against bullying and harassment with the launch of the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) campaign, ‘My Harassment-Free Ship’, to mark the Day of the Seafarer 2025.
The IMO campaign aims to raise awareness about the reality of harassment at sea, promote proactive industry action, and ensure safe, accessible channels for reporting and accountability.
The global maritime community celebrates the Day of the Seafarer on 25 June annually.
“This year, the theme #MyHarassmentFreeShip calls attention to the urgent need to eliminate bullying and harassment in the maritime industry and to foster a culture of dignity, safety, and inclusion onboard every vessel,” the IMO said.
IMO Secretary-General, Arsenio Dominguez, said the organisation was calling for a culture of zero tolerance towards bullying and harassment.
"Seafarers form a remarkable global workforce that call ships their place of work. It is a unique, exciting and demanding environment – one that must be free from violence and harassment."
He said the IMO invited all stakeholders to join the anti-harassment campaign.
“No one should feel alone in their struggle.”
The campaign acknowledges that fostering a culture of respect is a shared responsibility across the maritime sector.
As part of the campaign, the IMO has produced an interactive world map that highlights reporting channels, national policies, and support systems by flag state.
"This tool is designed to empower seafarers to access help, wherever they are in the world, and to promote transparency in the maritime response to harassment," the IMO said.
From 1 January 2026, mandatory training on the prevention of harassment will be required under the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) Code.
"We have taken a decisive step to amend the STCW Code, mandating training for all seafarers on preventing and addressing violence and harassment," Dominguez said.
The IMO has also engaged a diverse group of seafarer social media influencers as part of the campaign.
"There should be zero tolerance for abuse. Every seafarer deserves respect," said Romeeta Bundela, a 2nd Electro Technical Officer at Carnival Cruises.
"Don't allow anyone to treat you any less than what you're worth. Work hard, have integrity, and remember – respect goes both ways," said Rebecca Taylor-Neale, 1st Officer at HX Hurtigruten Expeditions.
The campaign encourages participation from all sectors of the maritime industry, and urges seafarers to share stories and experiences on social media that foster a culture of respect at sea using the hashtag #MyHarassmentFreeShip.
