Marine Advisory: 33/2025 - Basic Training with Updated Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities (PSSR)

06 November 2025

Marine Advisory: 33/2025

Subject: Basic Training with Updated Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities (PSSR)

REFERENCES:

1. International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and

Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) 1978, as amended

1. Resolution MSC.560(108) - 2024 Amendments to Part A of STCW Code
2. Publication RLM-118 - Requirements for Merchant Marine Personnel Certification

Dear Shipowners, Operators, Masters, Officers, and crew of Merchant Ships, Agents, and Maritime Training Centers Purpose:

The purpose of this Advisory is to alert all those persons and seafarers affected by Resolution MSC.560(108), which amends Part A of STCW Code, to include a new competence related to preventing and responding to violence and harassment, including sexual harassment, bullying and sexual assault. The competence has been added to Table A-VI/1-4 of the STCW Code.

Background:

A meeting of the Joint ILO/IMO Tripartite Working Group (JTWG), which includes representatives from governments, ship owners and seafarers, was held from 27 to 29 February 2024 to discuss potential future steps to prevent and combat violence and harassment, including sexual harassment, bullying and sexual assault, including by means of legislation, mechanisms and policies as well as enhanced training.

In May 2024, the IMO adopted Resolution MSC.560(108) on amendments to the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) Code aimed at combating and reducing violence and harassment within the maritime industry. These amendments set out in Table A-VI/1-4, which will enter into force on 1 January 2026, specify the minimum standards of competence in personal safety and social responsibilities.

Guidance:

All seafarers currently in training and completing this training on or after 1 January 2026 must have the above referenced “Competence” as part of their PSSR – Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities.

Seafarers renewing their Basic Training on or after 1 January 2026 must have the following modules renewed or refreshed:

• Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting
• Personal Survival Techniques
• PSSR – SASH

For additional information, please contact: Seafarers Certification and Documentation Department at +1 703-790-3434 or email: seafarers@liscr.com