Being part of a ship's crew means more than just doing your job well, it means looking out for one another. That’s why this year’s #MyHarassmentFreeShip campaign by the International Maritime Organization hits home for so many of us working at sea. On June 25, we marked the Day of the Seafarer, a global day led by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to honor those who keep the world moving us.
This year, IMO message is clear: every ship should be a place of dignity, safety, and respect. Harassment, bullying, and discrimination have no place in our workplaces — whether you're cleaning cabins, navigating the bridge, or serving guests in the dining room. We all deserve to feel safe, valued, and heard.
________________________________________
What It’s Really Like Out Here
Life on board is intense. We’re far from home, working long hours in close quarters with people from all over the world. That diversity is something to be proud of — but only if we treat each other with fairness and kindness.
Unfortunately, some crew still face harassment or feel afraid to speak up. That’s exactly what this campaign is about — making sure no one feels alone and that everyone knows they have support.
________________________________________
Real Change: From Training to Action
Starting January 2026, the IMO is making it mandatory for all seafarers to receive training on preventing harassment and sexual misconduct, as part of updates to the STCW Code. This is a big deal — it means that what many of us have experienced or witnessed is finally being addressed not just by companies, but across the whole industry.
IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez put it simply:
“No one should feel alone in their struggle.”
________________________________________
Crew Supporting Crew
What’s powerful about this campaign is that it’s not just coming from the top — it’s being led by people like you and me. Seafarer influencers are speaking up across social media to say enough is enough.
• Romeeta Bundela, a 2nd Electro Technical Officer at Carnival Cruises, said:
“There should be ZERO tolerance for abuse. Every seafarer deserves respect.”
• Rebecca Taylor-Neale, a 1st Officer at HX Hurtigruten Expeditions, added:
“Don’t allow anyone to treat you less than what you’re worth. Respect goes both ways.”
We’re using our voices to lift each other up. And the IMO is making it easier with tools like the new Interactive Global Support Map, which shows where and how to report harassment based on your flag state — an important step for all of us.
________________________________________
How You Can Join In
Whether you’re an officer, a steward, an engineer, or a galley hand, you can help build a respectful ship culture:
• Share your stories with the hashtag #MyHarassmentFreeShip
• Speak up when something’s not right — support your shipmates
• Encourage your team to complete training and take it seriously
• Use the IMO’s campaign materials to start conversations onboard
________________________________________
We all came to sea for different reasons — but we all deserve to feel safe while we’re out here. Together, let’s keep pushing for ships where respect isn’t optional — it’s the standard.
