Tiếng Việt
I. Introduction
The maritime industry may sound romantic with its voyages across the oceans, but few know that being a seafarer is not just about gazing at the blue sky and enjoying the sea breeze. They face numerous pressures, from hard labor to long periods away from home. However, there is another serious issue that not many people talk about: workplace harassment.
How can seafarers be protected from harassment when their living and working environments are unique and far removed from usual support mechanisms? Let’s explore the challenges they face and the solutions to prevent harassment in this profession.
II. The Seafaring Profession and Its Hidden Challenges
1. Closed and Isolated Environment
Seafarers live and work in a confined space for months at a time. A ship is not a typical office where one can easily step outside when feeling pressured. Onboard, they are isolated from the outside world, and sometimes, even internet or phone connections are difficult to access. This can lead to a reliance on fellow crew members, both socially and emotionally.
This isolation can easily create an environment where harassment can occur without being detected or addressed in a timely manner.
2. Unique Culture of the Maritime Industry
The maritime industry has long been considered a “male-dominated” environment. However, with the increasing number of female seafarers, harassment, especially sexual harassment, has become a prominent issue. Female seafarers often face inappropriate behavior from male colleagues, ranging from off-color jokes to unwanted advances.
Additionally, the high-stress and high-pressure work environment can lead to conflicts among crew members, paving the way for psychological harassment or offensive behavior.
III. Identifying Forms of Harassment
Harassment is not limited to sexual behavior but can also include psychological harassment and personal insults. Here are some common forms:
1. Sexual Harassment
This is the most common form of harassment that female seafarers often encounter. From inappropriate comments about appearance to unwanted physical contact, any action that makes the victim feel uncomfortable is considered sexual harassment.
2. Psychological Harassment
This form of harassment often manifests as psychological pressure, bullying, or workplace insults. Seafarers may face discrimination, isolation, or be coerced into complying with unreasonable demands from superiors or colleagues.
3. Harassment Related to Labor Rights
Seafarers may face denial of their rights, excessive working hours, or unfair treatment compared to other colleagues. This is also a form of harassment when their labor rights are deliberately violated.
IV. Causes of Harassment in the Seafaring Environment
1. Lack of Regulations and Supervision
One of the main causes of harassment on ships is the lack of enforcement of regulations and supervision. Since ships often navigate through multiple international waters, applying national laws becomes challenging. Many shipping companies do not establish clear procedures for addressing harassment issues, leaving victims unsure where to seek help.
2. Power Imbalance
On ships, the hierarchy is very clear. Captains, first officers, and senior personnel have significant power in determining the working conditions of seafarers. This power imbalance can lead to abuse, where senior staff may exploit their authority to engage in harassment.
V. Solutions for Preventing Harassment for Seafarers
1. Developing Clear Anti-Harassment Policies
Shipping companies need to establish and enforce robust anti-harassment policies. This includes ensuring that all seafarers clearly understand their rights and responsibilities, as well as having a clear reporting mechanism for harassment incidents.
2. Training on Human Rights and Safe Communication
Training on harassment prevention and respectful communication is crucial. All seafarers should be educated on how to identify inappropriate behavior and how to respond. Additionally, training programs should guide how to create a respectful and safe working environment.
3. Providing Confidential Reporting Channels
Since seafarers are often isolated at sea, establishing a confidential reporting channel for them to report harassment cases is crucial. This channel should ensure anonymity and protect victims from retaliation after reporting.
4. Enhancing Monitoring and Inspection
International maritime authorities and shipping companies should conduct regular, unannounced inspections to ensure that the working environment on ships remains safe and respectful of human rights.
5. Fostering a Culture of Respect and Inclusivity
To prevent harassment, companies need to build a work culture where everyone, regardless of gender or rank, is treated equally and with respect. This requires a commitment from company leadership as well as active participation from all seafarers.
VI. Conclusion
Preventing harassment for seafarers is not only a legal issue but also a matter of protecting human rights in a unique and challenging profession. The isolation at sea, closed work culture, and strict hierarchical system make this issue complex. However, with commitment from both companies and seafarers, we can create a safe and respectful work environment where everyone feels protected and valued.
Preventing harassment is a collective responsibility—not only to protect seafarers but also to uphold human values in the maritime industry.
