Update on STCW Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities (PSSR) – Implementation from 1 January 2026

From the 1st of January 2026, amendments adopted under the IMO Resolution MSC.560(108) came into effect, introducing additional competence elements within the STCW Convention, Table A-VI/1-4 Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities (PSSR).

These amendments expand the existing PSSR competence to explicitly address the prevention of and response to violence and harassment onboard, including bullying, sexual harassment and sexual assault (SASH). The overall framework of STCW basic safety training (BST) remains unchanged; however, the knowledge and understanding components of PSSR have been broadened to reflect social and behavioural safety considerations.

What seafarers and companies should be aware of?

• New entrants to the industry from 2026 are expected to complete PSSR training that reflects the updated competence.

• Existing certificate holders generally retain validity of their current PSSR certification; however, companies may still elect to provide additional awareness training as part of their safety culture or ESG initiatives.

• Port State Control, vetting or internal audits may increasingly look for evidence that violence and harassment prevention is addressed within company training frameworks.

• The emphasis of the amendment is primarily at knowledge and understanding level, rather than advanced operational competence.

How this applies to you?

While the amendment sets a new international minimum standard, its practical implementation currently differs between Administrations. In particular:

• Some flag States interpret the requirement as mandatory only for new entrants undertaking PSSR training from 1 January 2026 onwards.

• Others may encourage or request refresher or supplementary learning (certificate addendum) for existing seafarers.

• A number of Administrations have issued guidance indicating no formal retraining obligation, but recommend company-level awareness initiatives.

• As a result, operators may encounter different documentary or training expectations depending on vessel flag, company policy, or audit context.

We therefore recommend that companies verify the position of the relevant flag State Administration and align internal policies accordingly.

How we can support you?

To support organisations in aligning with the updated PSSR competence and broader violence and harassment awareness expectations, Maersk Training provides a range of learning formats that can be applied depending on regulatory, company or cultural objectives.

1. E-learning: Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities (PSSR) – STCW A-VI/1-4 (DMA Approved)

• Danish Maritime Authority (DMA) - one of the IMO white-list flags - accredited course incorporating the updated 2026 STCW competence elements.

• Delivered as e-learning and also embedded within our Blended Basic Safety Training programmes.

• Covers prevention and response awareness related to:
  - Violence and harassment
  - Sexual harassment
  - Bullying
  - Sexual assault

• Suitable for new entrants and for organisations seeking a fully approved baseline solution aligned with STCW requirements.

2. E-learning: Introduction to Prevention and Response to Violence & Harassment Onboard

• Short standalone module (approximately 25 minutes).

• Non flag accredited, designed as an awareness-level introduction rather than a certification course.

• Appropriate for existing crews, company-wide awareness roll-outs, or supplementary learning alongside PSSR.

3. Virtual Workshop: Combating Bullying & Harassment

• Facilitated 1-hour live virtual session focused on reflection, dialogue and practical discussion.

• Functions effectively as an add-on to the e-learning module by:
  - Reinforcing core concepts
  - Encouraging participants to translate learning into onboard behaviours
  - Creating a safe and moderated environment for discussion and shared experiences

• Suitable for mixed-rank or department-specific cohorts.

4. Anti-SASH Workshop (Sexual Assault / Sexual Harassment)

• 90-minute virtual workshop with a more specialised focus.

• Addresses:
  - Sexual assault
  - Sexual harassment
  - Discrimination and related conduct concerns

• Designed for organisations seeking deeper thematic focus beyond introductory awareness.

Selecting the appropriate option

The appropriate pathway may vary depending on:

• Flag State expectations

• Company policy or ESG commitments

• Whether the objective is formal certification, awareness building, or cultural reinforcement

• The existing certification status of crew members

These options may also be combined to create a proportionate learning journey that balances compliance, awareness and behavioural impact.

Our approach

Our objective is to provide clear, practical and regulation-aligned learning pathways that support both compliance and organisational culture. We monitor guidance from major maritime administrations and international bodies to ensure that our offerings remain current, proportionate and relevant to operational needs, delivering what we stand for: learning today, leading tomorrow.

For clarification, tailored advice, or support in selecting the appropriate pathway for your fleet or workforce, please contact the commercial representative in your region or contact@maersktraining.com.