Nigerian seafarers are urgently calling for reforms in the maritime sector, citing harassment, poor welfare, and inadequate support. During the 2025 Day of the Seafarers event in Lagos, speakers emphasized the need for enforcing anti-harassment policies and creating safe reporting mechanisms to protect crew members and enhance operational efficiency.
During the 2025 International Day of the Seafarer in Accra, Captain Georgina Jopap urged seafarers to report harassment, emphasizing the toxic atmosphere created by bullying. She advocated for understanding rights onboard and called for confidential reporting channels. Captain Catherine Haizel and Lawyer Francis Bebuksi supported these initiatives, promoting a safer maritime environment.
The Nigerian government has warned the maritime sector about harassment and bullying of workers. During the 2025 Seafarers Day in Port Harcourt, Minister Adegboyega Oyetola stressed the importance of a respectful work environment, stating that such behavior undermines well-being and the industry’s reputation, asserting it has no place in maritime operations.
In May 2024, the International Maritime Organization approved amendments to the STCW Code, addressing violence and harassment in the maritime sector. Effective January 1, 2026, new training requirements will focus on preventing and responding to issues like sexual assault and bullying, enhancing seafarers’ competencies in these critical areas.
ISWAN’s campaign ‘Safe at sea…it takes all of us!’ offers practical guidance on addressing inappropriate behavior and building support networks in the maritime sector. By promoting allyship between male and female crew members, the guides aim to create a safer and more inclusive work environment for all seafarers.
Data from the first quarter of 2024 reveals the harsh working conditions faced by seafarers, with increased risks due to geopolitical tensions. The International Bargaining Forum designated the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden as ‘Warlike’ zones after a fatal missile attack, while Somali piracy incidents resurged. SeafarerHelp saw a rise in seafarers seeking assistance for contractual issues and ABHDV, highlighting the urgent need for industry unity in protecting seafarers’ rights and welfare.
The Seafarers’ International Union of Canada (SIU) published a report on workplace harassment and bullying within the Canadian marine sector, revealing that 46% of seafarers have experienced harassment or bullying at some point in their career. The report is a summary of data gathered from a survey conducted in the Summer of 2023.
