Scientific Research Institute of Maritime and Space Law
(IMSL, Kyiv)
Approved by the decision of the Academic Council
of the Scientific Research Institute of Maritime and Space Law
(Minutes No. 8 dated 07 January 2026)
Approved by the Order of the Director
of the Scientific Research Institute of Maritime and Space Law
dated 07 January 2026 No. 070126-1
General Description of the Programme
The training programme “Prevention of and Response to Violence and Harassment on Board Ships” is a short-term specialised educational programme developed in accordance with the standards of the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine and international requirements in the field of maritime training.
The programme is aimed at forming professional competencies of seafarers in preventing, identifying and appropriately responding to violence and harassment on board ships, including sexual harassment, bullying and sexual violence, as an integral part of the overall safety culture and social responsibility.
The programme is developed on the basis of the requirements of the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), taking into account the amendments introduced by IMO Resolution MSC.560(108), and is implemented within the Quality Management System of the Institute in accordance with ISO 9001
Programme Profile
- Field of Knowledge: 27 “Transport”
- Specialty: 271 “Maritime and Inland Water Transport”
- Programme Type: Short-term professional competency development programme
- Form of Study: Distance learning (online)
- Languages of Instruction: Ukrainian, English
- Programme Volume: 6 academic hours
- Duration: Short-term
Aim of the Programme
The aim of the programme is to provide participants with systematic knowledge and practical skills related to:
- prevention of violence and harassment on board ships;
- timely identification of risks and hazardous situations;
- safe intervention and appropriate response;
- adherence to the principle of zero tolerance to any forms of violence;
- support for victims using a trauma-informed approach.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the programme, participants achieve the following learning outcomes:
Knowledge:
- forms and manifestations of violence and harassment in the shipboard environment;
- key risk factors (hierarchy, abuse of power, stress, isolation, fatigue);
- international and national regulatory requirements (STCW, MLC, MSC.560(108)).
Skills and Abilities:
- identify situations of violence and harassment;
- apply safe response and reporting models;
- provide support to victims and witnesses;
- act in accordance with shipboard and company procedures.
Competencies:
- personal safety and social responsibility;
- effective communication in a multicultural crew;
- compliance with ethical and professional standards of conduct.
Target Audience and Entry Requirements
The programme is intended for seafarers of all ranks and positions who:
- have reached the age of 16;
- meet medical fitness requirements for service at sea;
- are undergoing or have completed basic training in accordance with STCW requirements.
Organisation of the Training Process
Training is delivered in a distance-learning format using modern online platforms (Zoom or equivalent).
Training methods include:
- lectures;
- practical sessions;
- case study analysis;
- interactive discussions.
The maximum group size is up to 24 participants, ensuring effective interaction with the instructor.
Assessment and Verification of Learning Outcomes
The form of final assessment is testing.
- the test consists of 20 questions;
- the minimum passing score is 75%;
- assessment is carried out in accordance with STCW standards and the recommendations of IMO Model Course 3.12.
Certificate of Completion
Upon successful completion of the programme, participants are issued a Certificate of Proficiency.
Certificates are registered in the IMSL Certificate Register and bear a unique registration number in the format approved by the Director’s Order
Regulatory Framework of the Programme
The programme complies with the requirements of:
- the STCW Convention (1978), as amended;
- the STCW Code;
- the SOLAS Convention, 1974, as amended;
- IMO Resolution MSC.560(108);
- standards of the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine governing educational activities;
- ISO 9001 (Quality Management System).