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Harassment refers to offensive behavior that demeans an individual or causes mental and
emotional suffering. It is a form of discrimination when unwanted conduct takes place that has the
purpose or effect of violating a person’s dignity and of creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading,
humiliating or offensive environment.
Bullying is When someone intentionally and repeatedly causes another person injury or
discomfort. It can take the form of physical contact, words, or more subtle actions. Bullying and/
or discrimination can relate to any personal characteristics of an individual, including disability,
race, religion or belief, gender and sexual orientation. Bullying often involves a misuse of power or
position and is often persistent and unpredictable. It may be vindictive, cruel or malicious. However,
it can also arise when a person is unaware of the effect of their behavior on other people or when
they do not intend to bully.
Examples of Bullying & Harassing behavior include:
1. Offensive physical contact, derogatory language or intimidating actions.
2. Insulting or threatening gestures or language (overt or implied) or continual and unwarranted
shouting.
3. Unjustified and unnecessary comments about a seafarer’s work or capacity for work.
4. Openly displayed pictures, posters, graffiti or written materials which might be offensive to
some.
5. Phone calls or messages on electronic mail or computer networks which are threatening,
abusive or offensive to colleagues.
6. Persistent following or stalking.
7. And persistent following or stalking; and
8. Disparaging remarks about malingering to seafarers who have made a claim for
compensation.
“No seafarer should be harassed or bullied. All seafarers are responsible for ensuring
that their ships are free of harassment and bullying”
Responding to a complaint of bullying and/or harassment:
Informal process
1. If a seafarer believes they are being harassed, they should tell the person responsible that they
find their behavior inappropriate and ask them to stop.
2. Sometimes, people are unaware that their behavior is unwelcome and causing distress.
3. Seafarers may choose to refer any incident(s) of harassment confidentially to the person
designated as the first point of reference on board the ship or ashore.
4. The designated person should listen to the complaint and provide support and assistance if
the victim does not wish to initiate a formal process.
5. An informal discussion often leads to greater understanding and an agreement for the
behavior to cease.
Formal Process
Suppose harassment and bullying continue, or a victim is unable or unwilling to confront the
alleged perpetrator. In that case, the alleged incident should be reported to the designated
person on the ship.
