Violence and Harassment Training Requirements Take Effect in IMO Facilities
On January 1, 2026, the International Maritime Organization's new training requirements on violence and harassment prevention entered into effect, marking the first time such mandatory content had been included into the STCW Code. Amendments to Table A-VI/1-4 introduce learning outcomes focused on preventing and responding to violence, bullying, sexual harassment, sexual assault within Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities (PSSR) element of training.
The UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) recently provided implementation guidance that clarifies seafarers who completed PSSR training prior to January 1, 2026 will not need to retake it, with existing certificates from MCA-approved providers being valid indefinitely with no need for renewal or reissue requirements. However, MCA encourages companies and individuals alike to provide additional training aligned with new IMO requirements; training providers have already been instructed to incorporate violence prevention content into all PSSR courses delivered from January 1.
Industry Alerted of Decarbonization Skills Gap
Maritime experts and seafarers have expressed grave concern over an impending skills crisis as shipping industry leaders rush toward decarbonization. A survey conducted by HELMEPA-led METAVASEA showed that 64% of Eastern Mediterranean seafarers have not received decarbonization training within two years; among those who have, 27% reported inadequate instruction while another 26% claimed unfamiliarity with alternative marine fuels.
This skills gap poses serious operational and safety risks for marine operations and assets, since new marine fuels and technologies require expert handling expertise for safe operations to avoid health risks or damage to marine assets. Lloyd's Register CEO Nick Brown stressed the urgency of safeguarding shipping's human capital; declining numbers of young people entering maritime profession compound the difficulty. Legacy maritime training programs have not kept pace with technological advancement, creating a pressing need for robust decarbonization modules within existing seafarer upskilling programs as well as new recruit training courses.
Advanced Training Centers and Curriculum Modernization Are Accelerated.
Wartsila and Sinocrew Maritime Services continued modernizing efforts within maritime training in December 2025 with the opening of Beihai International Seafarer Training Center (BISTC), featuring high-fidelity simulators and training on sustainable maritime practices and alternative marine fuels. This facility will serve the wider ASEAN region while becoming China's inaugural MASTERS program site - acting as a model for future maritime education and international cooperation.
Within organizational training divisions, comprehensive curriculum development continued, including the successful roll-out of Train the Trainer courses to Quality Assurance Coaches with wider roll-out planned for shore-based employees. All active electrical courses were converted to standard formats with reviews scheduled of all active training materials planned as part of preventative maintenance programs that achieved zero downtime throughout 2018. Preventative maintenance programs ensure uninterrupted delivery of scheduled training sessions.
Industry Consolidation and Digital Training Solutions
Mintra completed its acquisition of SQLearn, a leading Greek provider of online maritime training solutions, on December 10, 2025. This acquisition enhances digital training capabilities within the maritime sector as organizations increasingly employ blended learning models that combine traditional instruction with accessible digital tools and structured guidance systems.