The International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the International Labor Organization (ILO). Have jointly released a series of recommendations to combat violence and harassment. Including sexual harassment, bullying, and sexual assault, in the maritime sector. This measure was discussed at a meeting of his ILO/IMO Tripartite Working Group (JTWG).  Held at his IMO headquarters in London from 27 to 29 February 2024. This Recommendation primarily includes amendments to the ILO Maritime Labor Convention 2006. (MLC, 2006) to align it with the ILO Violence and Harassment Convention 2019 (No. 190). 

The changes will also require mandatory IMO training for seafarers and additional guidance for shipowners.  IMO and ILO, together with government representatives. Shipowners, and seafarers, have committed to launch an international awareness campaign. To raise awareness of the pressing issue of violence and harassment in the maritime sector. They also plan to investigate potential legislative and policy advances to prevent and address this problem. IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez and ILO Director-General Gilbert F. 

Underlining

Both underlined the need for a safe and respectful working environment on board ships and stated that there would be zero tolerance for violence or harassment in any form. Repeated. Secretary General Dominguez said, “We remain committed to our commitment to creating a safe and respectful working environment on board our ships.“We are committed to preventing and combating bullying and harassment in the maritime sector, recognizing that this is not only a moral obligation but also a practical necessity for the sustainable growth of our industry. 

Experienced sailors abandon ships or deter newcomers. “Violence and harassment in any form directly contradicts the very concept of decent work. “We cannot tolerate this kind of behavior,” he said.  Part of the Recommendation includes the use of the term “violence and harassment, including sexual harassment, bullying and sexual assault” in relevant IMO and ILO documents and guidelines. 

Other Recommendations 

Include mandatory training for seafarers,  adoption of measures by governments and shipping companies, decommissioning of perpetrators, and changes to medical guidelines.  IMO and the ILO Secretariat are also exploring ways to collect data on violence and harassment in the maritime sector. The proposed amendments to the 2006 MLC will be submitted to the IMO Maritime Safety Committee (MSC 108) at its next meeting in May 2024, and in due course, he will also be submitted to the ILO Executive Board. The ILO-IMO Joint  Tripartite Working Group expressed optimism that these recommendations would lead the maritime industry towards a safer working culture free of all forms of aggression.