Maritime Cadet awareness film on Bullying, Harassment and Exploitation Launched

In pro bono support of the Sailors Society 2025 Wellness at Sea Cadet conferences preparing the next generation for work, Human Rights at Sea has produced a new lived-experience film.

The need to provide education and awareness for prospective maritime cadets on all issues that may affect them is being consistently addressed across the maritime welfare sector, most recently by the Sailors Society.

As part of the Society's Wellness at Sea cadet conferences for 2025, the topic of bullying, harassment and exploitation has been addressed with a new short film from Human Rights at Sea by our producer, Sara Pipernos.

This is set against recent developments within the maritime industry on the issue.

Developments

In May 2022, the International Labour Organisation (ILO) passed the Resolution on Harassment and Bullying, including Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment, in the Maritime Sector.

Importantly, it opened by stating: "Recognising the serious impact harassment and bullying, including sexual assault and sexual harassment, can have on seafarers and the need for the issue to be addressed within the maritime industry,..."

In 2024, the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) addressed the issue with its campaign 'Preventing and combating violence and harassment in the maritime sector'.

IMO Secretary-General Mr. Arsenio Dominguez then said: “We remain steadfast in our commitment to creating a safe and respectful working environment on board. Recognizing that this is not only a moral imperative but also a practical necessity for the industry's sustainable growth, we are committed to preventing and combatting bullying and harassment in the maritime sector."

“Our shared goal is clear - to meet the expectations of seafarers, the industry, Administrations, and the public at large in making shipping free of any form of aggression.”

In advance of the 2025 IMO Day of the Seafarer with its focus on ‘My Harassment-Free Ship’, the Sailors’ Society launched its State of the Industry Snapshot focused on bullying and harassment at sea.

The report included lived-experience articles, including one (p17) from David Hammond Esq. Founder, Human Rights at Sea.

Our Supporting Film

Produced by Sara Pipernos, Human Rights at Sea has worked closely with Captain Jessica Tyson in addressing the topic from both a personal and professional perspective. Alongside David Hammond, both share their individual experiences with the audience.

View the Film

Sailors Society Wellness at Sea Virtual Conferences

The Society is offering four regionally based conferences that focus on real issues key in a cadets life at sea.

The virtual events will be delving into connectivity at sea and how it is shaping and influencing seafarers’ lives.

They will further cover supporting one other through times of depression, anxiety and poor mental health, including addressing bullying and harassment.

ENDS.

Source: Human Rights at Sea 2025.

Certified Original. AI was not used in the drafting of this article.

Photo: iStock.

Contact: If you have any questions, please write to us at enquiries@hrasi.org.

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