Where this sits
Governing: IMO Resolution MSC.560(108); STCW Table A-VI/1-4; MGN 718 (M+F), replacing MIN 729; MLC 2006 as amended. Builds on: L3.1.
The change
IMO Resolution MSC.560(108), adopted on 23 May 2024, added a competence to STCW Table A-VI/1-4, in force 1 January 2026:
"Contribute to the prevention of and response to violence and harassment, including sexual harassment, bullying and sexual assault."
MGN 718 summarises the knowledge now required as:
- prevention of violence and harassment;
- identification and reporting of such behaviour;
- understanding its impact on safety, health and wellbeing;
- appropriate response and support, including trauma-informed principles.
The UK position: MIN 729, then MGN 718
In December 2025, MIN 729 said existing PSSR holders did not need extra training. After an IMO working group and the HTW Sub-Committee (February 2026), the MCA changed its view. MGN 718, published 18 August 2026 and updated 3 September 2026, replaces MIN 729.
| Who | What MGN 718 requires |
|---|---|
| UK PSSR holders dated before 1 January 2026 | Complete the supplementary module |
| Holders of UK CoCs and CoPs, all UK-certified officers and ratings | Complete the supplementary module |
| MCA-approved PSSR dated on or after 1 January 2026 | Nothing further; the course already covers it |
| Already trained elsewhere | A White List flag state certificate referencing MSC.560(108) and dated before 18 August 2026 is accepted |
The module is OneOcean "Prevention and Response to Violence & Harassment", reference 0900 (UK version). It is free, online, works on a phone, takes about one hour, has 16 lessons and no final assessment. You get a digital Verification of Training, which the MCA accepts for new or revalidated CoCs and CoPs and for PSC or flag inspections. The deadline is 31 March 2027. Missing it may affect revalidation, inspections and your ability to work at sea.
WARNING: Do it now A Yacht Rating Certificate or a CoC counts as a CoP or CoC for this purpose. Do the hour now and keep the PDF with your certificates.
The MLC side
The MLC 2006 2016 amendments, in force 8 January 2019, expect flag states and shipowners to protect seafarers against shipboard harassment and bullying, using the ICS/ITF guidance on eliminating shipboard harassment and bullying. Further amendments adopted in April 2025 (expected in force December 2027) add harassment and violence provisions to recruitment, occupational safety and health, incident investigation and on-board complaints.
Recognising it
- Harassment: unwanted conduct that violates dignity or creates a hostile environment, including sexual harassment.
- Bullying: repeated, unreasonable behaviour against a person or group: humiliation, exclusion, unfair workloads, threats.
- Violence and sexual assault: crimes, not personality clashes.
Responding
- If it is happening to you, you do not need proof to report it. Keep a private note of dates, times and witnesses.
- Report through the chain of command, to the master, to the Designated Person Ashore, or through the MLC complaint procedure, which must allow you to go past your head of department.
- As a bystander, intervene if it is safe, or interrupt and get help. Support the person and do not spread their story.
- For confidential help, ISWAN's Yacht Crew Help is free, confidential and 24-hour, and covers bullying, harassment and sexual assault.
CAUTION: Cabins and power Shared cabins and a charter hierarchy make yacht crew especially exposed. Officers who ignore a report become part of the problem.