**Effective 1 January 2026**

In May 2024, the IMO adopted Resolution MSC.560(108) amending the STCW Code, Table A-VI/1-4 (Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities) to introduce a new mandatory competence on the prevention of bullying and harassment, including sexual assault and sexual harassment (SASH).

These amendments stem from discussions held by the Joint ILO/IMO Tripartite Working Group (JTWG) in February 2024, where governments, shipowners, and seafarer representatives considered further measures to prevent and address violence and harassment in the maritime sector through regulation, policy, and enhanced training.

By embedding this competence directly into Basic Training, the amendments establish a uniform minimum standard aimed at strengthening onboard safety culture, safeguarding seafarer welfare, and reinforcing professional conduct across all vessel types and ranks.

The amendments will enter into force on 1 January 2026 and apply to all seafarers, with implementation and transitional arrangements determined by individual Flag Administrations.

What Is Changing Under STCW

Under the amended STCW Code Table A-VI/1-4, seafarers must demonstrate competence in:

• Prevention of bullying and harassment

• Prevention of and response to sexual assault and sexual harassment (SASH)

• Understanding individual responsibilities, intervention, and reporting mechanisms

• Promoting a safe, respectful, and professional shipboard working environment

This competence is now a mandatory element of Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities (PSSR) and forms part of Basic Training, rather than being addressed solely through company policies or voluntary initiatives.

Applicability

• Entry into force: 1 January 2026

• Applies to: All seafarers, irrespective of rank or vessel type

• Training element: Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities (PSSR)

• Legal basis: STCW Code Table A-VI/1-4, Resolution MSC.560(108)

Flag State Implementation and Transitional Arrangements

While the amendments introduced by MSC.560(108) establish a mandatory competence under the STCW Code, the implementation and transitional arrangements are determined by individual Flag Administrations.

In practice, this means that:

• Some Flags may require the new competence to be incorporated immediately into all Basic Training completed on or after 1 January 2026

• Others may allow existing certificates to remain valid until expiry, with the new competence addressed at renewal or revalidation

• Requirements for refresher or renewal training may vary in how the PSSR module incorporating SASH is applied

For shipowners and managers, this creates a compliance risk if Flag-specific requirements are not clearly identified and tracked.

Companies should therefore avoid assuming a uniform global transition approach and instead confirm:

• How each applicable Flag Administration applies the amended Table A-VI/1-4

• Whether the competence must be demonstrated during initial training only, or also at renewal

• How PSSR refresher or renewal training is structured under that Flag

Actions for Shipowners, Operators, and Managers

In preparation for 1 January 2026, companies should:

• Review Flag State implementation guidance applicable to their fleet

• Update SMS training matrices and procedures to reflect the new PSSR competence

• Confirm that approved training providers have incorporated SASH competence into PSSR courses

• Plan ahead for Basic Training renewals and revalidations, particularly for multi-flag fleets

• Ensure onboard familiarization and company policies align with the amended STCW requirements

Early planning will help avoid last-minute training gaps and certification issues.

How Marinetegrity Can Support

Marinetegrity Maritime Consultants supports shipowners and managers with:

• Interpretation of STCW amendments and Flag State advisories

• Compliance gap assessments against MSC.560(108)

• SMS updates and training matrix alignment

• Advisory support for Basic Training renewals and Flag-specific implementation