In a recent announcement, the MCA introduced a free online training module designed to help all seafarers and companies meet the updated PSSR requirements.
This course must be completed by 31st March 2027 if you took a PSSR course before 1st January 2026.
The STCW PSSR course amendments require seafarers to demonstrate knowledge of:
- Prevention of violence and harassment
- Identification and reporting of such behaviours
- Understanding impacts on safety, health and wellbeing
- Appropriate response and support, including trauma‑informed principles
The Importance of Personal Safety and Social Responsibility On Board
STCW Personal Safety & Social Responsibilities (PSSR) is an essential qualification for anyone looking to work on board. Not only is it a legal requirement, but it also prepares crew for onboard situations and equips them with the knowledge they need to display appropriate conduct.
PSSR helps new and existing crew to manage onboard wellbeing for themselves and their peers; it covers best practice in ocean protection and prepares crew for onboard emergencies and alarms.
Introduction of new modules to PSSR
The latest updates to the course have been introduced to improve wellbeing and the onboard work environment. Bullying and harassment of all kinds can occur in any workplace, and friction can develop between anyone. Unlike other workplaces, a career onboard can mean a blurred line, or lack of differentiation between work life and social life.
The nature of the role means that the impacts of harassment and bullying are heightened, and the importance of appropriate training is even more essential for those who work at sea.
Prevention of violence and harassment
The key to maintaining a pleasant onboard atmosphere starts with preventing violence and harassment.
A crew that does not fear uncomfortable interactions is more likely to operate smoothly, and individuals will be in a better space mentally, ultimately improving the quality of life and work on board.
Identification and reporting of such behaviours
If prevention is not an option and negative onboard interactions are occurring, all seafarers must be trained to identify these specific behaviours.
Appropriate training will ensure bullying and harassment are identified and reported to seniors as quickly as possible. This will mean conflict resolution can begin and the onboard atmosphere can return to functionality.
Understanding impacts on safety, health and wellbeing
In some circumstances, bullying and harassment could be well-hidden or disguised. By understanding the impacts of harassment on safety and health and wellbeing, crew can better identify if it is occurring.
Recognising a fellow crew member whose behaviour has changed, like withdrawing, avoiding team activities, or behaving erratically, can be a clear indication of an issue.
Crew can then proceed to report their suspicions, and the conflict can be investigated.
Crew members should also be prepared to respond to the fallout of an onboard conflict, because it can affect the entire team and the atmosphere of onboard spaces.
Appropriate response and support, including trauma-informed principles
An appropriate response to bullying and harassment is crucial, especially when a crew member is approached by a peer who is willing to open up about their experiences.
A victim of bullying and harassment is more likely to confide in someone they are familiar with than a senior or manager, which is why it is so important for all seafarers to be trained in how to respond to trauma.
PSSR Training Update
Following the recent updates, it is now essential for anyone who completed their PSSR training prior to the 1st of January 2026 to update their qualification before the 31st March 2027.
To help seafarers update their qualification in an accessible way, the MCA has released a free module that can be completed online.
Alternatively, at the Maritime Skills Academy, we are increasing our PSSR course dates to accommodate seafarers who need to update their training, which you can book by contacting our team.
