A new guide advises US merchant mariners and shore-based personnel on how to participate in a work environment free of sexual assault, harassment and other prohibited behaviors.
Sexual harassment is defined as “unwelcome sexual favors or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature regardless of a person’s gender that affects an individual’s workplace.”
Sexual assault is “any type of sexual contact that occurs without consent, whether through the use of force, physical threat or abuse of authority for personal gains of a sexual nature.” The victim and the perpetrator can be males or females, of the same or opposite sex.
As explained, people often do not report an incident of sexual harassment, because they do not know how to report it or are unsure of what will happen next. So, shippers are advised:
- Make sure you know your company’s reporting procedures. Companies will often have multiple ways for you to report an incident, to ensure protection.
- Understand that your company will make every effort to maintain confidentiality
- Know that there is zero tolerance for retaliation agianst anyone reporting an incident
- Report any prohibited behaviors to the appropriate person, as soon as it happens
- Familiarize yourself with the information your company requires in a report, such as who, what, when and where
Recommendations
- Do not go ashore alone, partner with a shipmate
- Be aware of your surroundings
- Always watch for suspicious behavior
- Walk quickly and confidently. Have a plan of where you are going and do not appear lost and confused
- Keep valuables concealed; do not openly show large amounts of money
- Stay in well-lit, populated areas
- Take the phone numbers of the ship and ship’s agent with you ashore
- If in a foreign country, take with you the phone number and address of the local embassy
- Know how to call for help in an emergency
- Follow your company’s drug and alcohol policy
Explore more by reading the full report: