Industry leaders united in support of Day of the Seafarer theme ‘My Harassment-Free Ship’
SMI has collected the following quotes from leaders of companies across the maritime spectrum, wholeheartedly backing the theme for this year’s Day of the Seafarer 2025 in support of the recently launched IMO campaign ‘My Harassment-Free Ship’, aimed at promoting a culture of respect and zero tolerance for bullying and harassment at sea.
Thomas Nordberg, Managing Director of The Swedish Club: “On this Day of the Seafarer, we proudly stand behind the IMO’s 2025 theme, ‘My Harassment-Free Ship,’ Every seafarer has the right to work in an environment of safety, dignity and respect — free from harassment or discrimination. This is made possible through the leadership and commitment of our members, the shipowners, who take daily responsibility for fostering such conditions at sea.
“At The Swedish Club, we are proud to support our members in this mission. Whether through promoting best practices, sharing knowledge, or encouraging the development of strong policies and support systems, we are committed to doing all we can to contribute within our role as an insurer.
“Today, we take the opportunity to recognise and applaud the great work our members are doing to ensure that ships are not only safe workplaces, but also supportive and respectful communities. We stand with them — and with the seafarers — in building a better future at sea.”
Leonid Zalenski, Group COO, Columbia Group: “Harassment or bullying onboard is completely unacceptable. It adds unnecessary pressure to seafarers who are already dealing with significant responsibilities. Our duty as leaders is to create an atmosphere of trust and openness, where every individual feels protected and respected.”
“Leadership onboard ships plays a crucial role. Strong leaders foster respectful behaviour and set clear standards, ensuring everyone onboard understands what’s acceptable and what isn’t.”
Capt. Kuba Szymanski, Secretary General, InterManager: “Harassment at sea is an issue which must be taken with full seriousness; we at InterManager class this as a full safety issue. Seafarers are often unfairly criminalised and victimised during investigations of wrongdoing and held as scapegoats with absolutely no evidence whatsoever. We are totally reliant on the hard work and dedication of our seafarers and offer them the backing and support when they need it the most.”
Irene Rosberg, Programme Director, The Blue MBA, Copenhagen Business School: “A harassment-free ship is not just a moral imperative - it’s a business one. Toxic cultures damage safety, performance, and retention. At Copenhagen Business School, we work with maritime leaders to understand how organisational culture, leadership behaviours and decision-making structures can either enable or prevent workplace harassment. Today, we stand with seafarers in calling for workplaces at sea that are psychologically safe, structurally sound, and built on clear accountability.”
Henrik Jensen, Founder and CEO, Danica Crewing Specialists Group; and Managing Director, Danica Maritime Services: “It goes without saying that everyone here at Danica puts their full weight behind Day of the Seafarer and its 2025 subject of ‘My Harassment-Free Ship’. But those words must be turned into actions across the board. That message must be led from the top; from people who actively create an inclusive environment onboard.
“At Danica we seek out these leadership qualities from each senior officer we look to employ. We also survey our staff to see if those standards are constantly being reached. It is up to us all to ensure this year’s campaign delivers lasting benefits.”
Capt. Pradeep Chawla, CEO, MarinePALS: “Harassment at sea is a behavioural issue seen across all nationalities. This Day of the Seafarer should serve as a call to reshape onboard and company culture so that respect, empathy and fairness are embedded into daily operations. Training plays a critical role in creating this shift, not as a box-ticking exercise, but as a tool to build awareness, confidence and shared responsibility.
“We must empower seafarers to speak up without fear and support leaders to take action. Every vessel should be a safe and inclusive space. Every company must pledge to investigate every complaint thoroughly and take actions.”
Anca Preda, Director, Maritime HR-Cruise at Columbia Group: “We’ve seen major improvements in how harassment is addressed onboard ships since the introduction of the Maritime Labour Convention. Clear reporting channels, proper training for both crew and management, and effective investigations ensure everyone onboard feels safe and supported.
“Reporting harassment takes courage. It’s a sign of strength, not weakness. We owe it to every crew member to treat all reports seriously, investigate thoroughly, and ensure a fair, respectful workplace.”
Martin Hedman, Director of Mental Wellness Practices, VIKAND: “With one in four seafarers— and over half of all women at sea—reporting abuse, on this Day of the Seafarer 2025, our message is clear: safety at sea must include freedom from harassment. Harassment isn’t just a personal issue—it’s a risk to safety and a threat to business performance.
“At VIKAND, we believe shipboard culture must evolve—from reactive compliance to proactive care. Tools such as our Crew Wellness Pulse Check support this shift by enabling confidential reporting and actionable insights.
“Yet tools alone are not enough. Real change requires clear definitions of unacceptable behaviour, trusted reporting pathways, and consistent accountability. Creating respectful, dignified, and safe environments on board isn’t optional—it’s essential. Let’s work together to ensure that every seafarer feels protected, heard, and valued.”
Charles Watkins, CEO and Clinical Psychologist at MHHS (Mental Health Support Solutions): “Harassment onboard ships is not going away and I welcome the IMO shining a spotlight on the issue today as we celebrate Day of the Seafarer. We must work together as an industry to support victims and educate crews that no person should feel fear of being attacked, either verbally or physically. Leaders need to lead by example and adopt a zero-tolerance approach.”
Marinos Kokkinis, Managing Director OneCare Group: “Eradicating bullying and harassment onboard requires a collective, consistent effort from all stakeholders in the maritime industry. It starts with setting clear expectations and standards from shipping companies and training providers to flag states and unions, making it clear that such behaviour has no place onboard.
“Collaboration is key. By sharing best practices, implementing robust reporting systems, and offering practical training on respect, diversity, and inclusion, we can equip both leaders and crew with the tools to foster a safe, supportive environment.”
Nick Owens, CEO, Idwal: “On Day of the Seafarer, we reflect on the importance of creating safe, respectful workplaces at sea. Harassment has no place on board. At Idwal, our inspections don’t just assess the condition of a vessel, they help shine a light on the environments seafarers work and live in every day. We stand with those calling for change and support a culture where every seafarer feels safe and valued.
Jacob Damgaard, Head of Loss Prevention, Britannia P&I Club: “We believe the maritime industry should reflect modern, forward-thinking values by welcoming new ideas and prioritising the well-being of its people. We support open communication and encourage appropriate action when concerns are raised about bullying and harassment to ensure every seafarer feels safe and respected. Seafarers are at the centre of global shipping, and we feel it is important to foster a culture that protects and empowers them.”
Jamie Jones, COO, GTMaritime: “Harassment has no place at sea. On Day of the Seafarer we honour those who keep global trade moving and reaffirm our commitment to providing the secure and reliable communications that help crews connect safely, report concerns in confidence and access the support they need. At GTMaritime we are proud to stand with seafarers in building a more respectful and inclusive maritime industry.”
Fabian Fussek, Co-Founder & CEO, Kaiko Systems: “All seafarers have a right to feel safe, respected, and free from harassment. As an industry, we must work harder to make sure they feel heard and protected while they work hard at sea and away from their loved ones, for the benefit of us all.
“At Kaiko Systems, we place crew satisfaction and wellbeing at the forefront of everything that we do.”
Sven Brooks, CEO, ScanReach: “Seafarers often work in isolated conditions where it can be hard to speak up—or be seen. On this Day of the Seafarer, we’re reminded that visibility is not just about safety; it’s also about dignity, inclusion, and mental wellbeing.
“For ship managers, understanding who is onboard and where they are helps ensure that no one goes overlooked—whether in an emergency, during routine operations, or in moments when someone may need support but isn’t able to ask for it.
“Crew monitoring isn’t about control. It’s about building trust, enabling early intervention, and creating a work environment where people feel protected—physically and psychologically.”
Abdülvahit Şimşek, CEO, AVS Global Supply: “The IMO’s 2025 Day of the Seafarer theme, ‘My Harassment Free Ship’, is a timely reminder that safety must go beyond procedures - it must include mental and emotional wellbeing. Through our global ship supply operations, AVS Global Supply engages with seafarers daily and sees first-hand how vital a respectful and inclusive environment is to morale and performance.
“Our support of the Seafarers Wellbeing Consultancy reflects a wider commitment to promoting mental health and positive culture at sea. We thank seafarers for their dedication and continue to stand with them in shaping a safer, more supportive maritime industry.
Christian Ioannou, Group CEO, MCTC: "Today, we recognise and celebrate the incredible dedication of seafarers who keep the world connected—often working in tough and unpredictable conditions. Making the sea a safer place is a shared responsibility. Whether you're a ship owner, manager, service provider, or regulator, we all have a role to play.
"At MCTC, we believe that safety goes beyond checklists and procedures—it’s about people. That’s why we invest in education, skills development, and seafarers’ overall well-being. Giving crew members the right tools and knowledge empowers them to make confident, informed decisions onboard.
"It is crucial we stand together against bullying and harassment and ensure maritime is a welcoming and inclusive industry where crew members feel supported and protected. As an industry, we must keep pushing forward—through continuous training, stronger support systems for mental health, and by fostering a culture built on respect and teamwork. Let’s make sure every seafarer feels safe, supported, and prepared for the challenges they face at sea."
Gisa R Paredes, Psychologist, Managing Director, WellAtSea “The most important step the maritime industry can take to ensure a harassment-free environment for seafarers Is to adopt a willingness to review ‘the way things have always been’. The same thoughts lead to the same behaviours, the same behaviours lead to the same actions, the same actions lead to the same thoughts. Neuroscience tells us that 99% of the thoughts we have today came from the day before and the day before that. We live in a memorized state of being.
“The only way to end cycles is to evaluate the system and to be willing to admit when a system is broken. By this I mean that attitudes that exist around male pride and male dominance all need to be evaluated and questioned.”
Josephine Le, Founder, The Hood Platform:
“What role should the crew and leaders play in preventing harassment onboard?
“We should formalise education on harassment onboard and in office so crews and officers can be their own first line of defence and each other’s protectors. Crews should be able to speak up for themselves and others and learn how to stand up against harassment and bullies without fear of retribution.