The UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency introduced a new mandatory training requirement for captains and crew after new amendments were added to the STCW Code concerning the prevention of violence and harassment at sea. Code MGN 718 (M+F) requires all seafarers, regardless of rank, to demonstrate competence in preventing, identifying, reporting, and responding to violence and harassment, including bullying, sexual harassment, and sexual assault. The course also covers the impact of behavior on safety, health and wellbeing, and the support for those affected.
Anyone with a UK PSSR certification dated before Jan. 1, 2026, must complete the additional training. Seafarers with an MCA-approved PSSR certificate dated on or after Jan. 1, 2026, do not need to take the supplementary course, as the updated material is already included.
The OneOcean “Prevention and Response to Violence & Harassment” module (0900) is available free of charge. It is online, takes about an hour, can be completed on a mobile device, and has no final assessment. Captains and crew required to take the course must complete the training by March 31, 2027. A digital verification of training will be given after completion of the course. Failure to comply could affect certification, inspection compliance, and ultimately a seafarer’s eligibility to work at sea.
