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30 Apr 2024
3 mins
Empowering Seafarers: Understanding and Addressing Workplace Harassment

A half day workshop on workplace harassment was held on 14 March 2024, at the NTUC Club@SingPost Centre.

Organised by Young SMOU (YSMOU), the workshop provided 28 YSMOU members and cadets from the Singapore Maritime Academy (SMA) with basic understanding and the know-hows of managing workplace harassment.

Not a problem unique to Singapore, workplace harassment is a global concern that transcends borders and industries. The Business Times (28 Nov 2023) published a feature on ship crews’ welfare in which, findings from a seafarers’ survey conducted in 2023 by Danica Crewing Specialists found that one in 20 seafarers – “roughly one on every ship” – reported having experienced bullying, while 4 per cent felt they had been discriminated against because of race, and 1 per cent had experienced sexual harassment.

The impact of harassment, when experienced by seafarers onboard is significant, since a ship is often a seafarer’s home for months. It can affect seafarers’ mental health, cause a decline in efficiency and/or bring out feelings of isolation and humiliation.

Counsellor and family therapist Jeanette Houmayune, who was the trainer for the workshop, emphasised the need to educate seafarers how to deal with harassment – “It’s very critical, especially since the seafarers are onboard a vessel, which is a closed space. So, it’s paramount that they feel physically, emotionally and psychologically safe to work onboard the vessel. For them to have that sense of psychological safety, they need to be able to identify what’s inappropriate behaviour, know their rights, call out such acts and protect themselves.”

The workshop taught the youth to identify workplace harassment and recognise its tell-tale sign. By understanding, the different types of harassment, individuals can better navigate their work environments and take appropriate action when necessary.

The youth learned about their rights as a seafarer onboard and how to respond and seek help.

Utilising assertive communication techniques enables victims to effectively convey their discomfort and set clear boundaries with harassers. Responding with calm assertiveness not only de-escalates the situation but also ensures the safety of all parties involved. Additionally, thorough documentation is essential for substantiating harassment claims and pursuing appropriate recourse.

The youth were also taught how to empathise with victims of workplace harassment through providing a listening ear or offering empathy and compassion, and refraining from giving judgement or advices.

Empowering seafarers with the knowledge and skills to respond assertively to workplace harassment is essential for promoting a safe and respectful maritime environment. Through education and training, seafarers can assert their rights, communicate boundaries effectively, and seek assistance when needed. By fostering a culture of respect and accountability onboard, we can ensure the well-being and dignity of all seafarers.

For further guidance on eliminating shipboard harassment and bullying, click here to read more on the Guidance on Eliminating Shipboard Harassment and Bullying, published by the International Chamber of Shipping and International Transport Workers’ Federation.