VIKAND highlights bullying and harassment as major mental health concern

(Posted on 02/12/25)

VIKAND has highlighted the need for cultural change in the maritime sector as reports of bullying, harassment, and conflict at sea continue to rise.

With new amendments to the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) set to take effect on 1st January 2026, explicitly addressing bullying and harassment, the global leader in maritime healthcare warns that, though welcome, regulations alone will not solve the problem unless companies also address the root causes: leadership culture, communication, and respect onboard.

According to the report “Workplace bullying and harassment at sea: A structured literature review,” [1] prevalence rates of workplace bullying and harassment at sea range from 8% to 25% of all seafarers, and over 50% among women seafarers.

Adding to this, the recently published 2025 Seafarer Survey by Danica Crewing Specialists found that in 2025, 16% of the respondents reported being subjected to bullying, racism or harassment, compared to only 7% in 2019 when the survey first took place. These findings highlight the scale of the problem and the urgent need for cultural and behavioural change within the industry.

“It’s quite easy to put regulations in place,” said Martin Hedman, Director of Mental Wellness Practices at VIKAND. “Companies need to have a policy — for instance, around bullying and harassment — and the right tools, buy in and executive commitment to support their people. The STCW amendment is a strong step, but recognition of the problem is the crucial first step. True change will only come when companies are willing to invest and engage on a deeper level than just setting up a generic training course for seafarers."

He notes that many of the mental health cases VIKAND is involved with today stem from relational issues and poor leadership onboard, rather than isolation alone.

“Many mental health issues are triggered by interpersonal issues onboard. People may feel disrespected or harassed by a superior officer or supervisor, and that’s becoming increasingly prevalent. It’s not just the isolation, it’s when things become explosive, such as with conflicts, where communication and attitudes becomes harsh and accusing, that mental health deteriorates quickly,” he said.

VIKAND emphasises that bullying and harassment can lead to severe psychological distress, including depression and suicidal thought, especially when compounded by long periods away from loved ones. The company believes that leadership and communication onboard ships must become more inclusive, empathetic, and proactive to create a safer and healthier environment for all crew members.

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