Harassment and bullying are examples of conduct that is unwanted and causes detrimental effects, which may include: stress, lack of motivation, reduced work performance, absence from duties and resignations.

Shipping operators are expected to adopt measures to better protect seafarers against shipboard harassment and bullying using as a reference the Guidance on Eliminating Shipboard Harassment and Bullying, jointly published by the International Transport Workers’ Federation and the International Chamber of Shipping. The Guidance aim is to assist companies to:

-Develop policies and plans to eliminate harassment and bullying on board ships and

-Involve its seafarers and/or seafarers’ organizations in this process.

Shipping Operators should ensure that they have a clearly written policy statement on the elimination of harassment and bullying and should ensure that all crew members and relevant shore based personnel are made aware of the policy and understand it. Communication and awareness is important to ensure that company’s commitment to prevent harassment and bullying is well understood to all crew members.

In order to eliminate harassment and bullying, the shipping company should actively encourage its seafarers to bring incidents to its attention without delay. Complaint procedure should be implemented and complaints of harassment and bullying can usually be dealt with using clear grievance and disciplinary procedures. Seafarers’ organizations should have a clearly written policy statement on the elimination of harassment and bullying.

Source: http://www.ics-shipping.org/docs/harassmentandbullying

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