Advancing Global Protections for Seafarers
Phil Schifflin, Esq., Director of SCI’s Center for Mariner Advocacy, regularly advocates for regulations and policies that strengthen seafarer well-being. One area in urgent need of reform has been the persistent problem of bullying, harassment, sexual harassment, and—in the most egregious cases—sexual assault at sea. For far too long, seafarers have endured this unacceptable behavior without adequate protection or recourse.
An essential first step in addressing this issue was establishing a clear, global baseline of training standards. These standards are designed to ensure that all mariners understand what constitutes inappropriate conduct and know what to do if they experience or witness such behavior.
In support of this effort, Phil participated in meetings of the U.S. National Merchant Mariner Personnel Advisory Committee (NMERPAC) and the U.S. National Merchant Mariner Medical Advisory Committee (NMEDMAC), two federal advisory committees chaired by the U.S. Coast Guard. Over the course of several meetings, these committees developed proposed training standards addressing bullying and harassment at sea.
The U.S. delegation then presented this work to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in London for consideration. Phil participated in multiple IMO meetings as the proposed standards were reviewed and refined. The IMO subsequently referred the matter to the International Labour Organization (ILO) in Geneva, where Phil also participated in a meeting of the Joint ILO-IMO Tripartite Working Group. There, the standards were further revised before being returned to the IMO for final approval.
This multi-year collaborative effort culminated in the formal adoption of new training guidelines by the IMO in May 2024. The standards entered into force at the beginning of this year.
While these training requirements alone will not eliminate bullying and harassment at sea, they represent a critical and long-overdue step forward. The Center for Mariner Advocacy remains committed to advancing practical reforms that protect the dignity, safety, and well-being of seafarers worldwide.
Phil Schifflin is featured in the Christian Daily International article linked below discussing these new global protections for seafarers.