Marine insurers must play an active role in addressing sexual misconduct at sea, delegates heard at the International Union of Marine Insurance (IUMI) annual conference in Singapore.
Charles Fernandez (pictured), chair of the IUMI Legal and Liability Committee, said the industry has a responsibility to raise awareness and encourage safeguards even if insurers are not directly involved in vessel operations.
Women make up just 1% of the global seafaring workforce, but 25% report experiencing physical or sexual assault. Many incidents go unreported due to fears of retaliation, harm to career progression, or doubts over whether their claims will be taken seriously.
Fernandez noted that shipowners could be held liable in cases where they were aware of an offender’s history, with liability insurers covering significant compensation claims in recent cases. He added that addressing misconduct is both an ethical issue and a risk mitigation measure for insurers.
The matter has gained attention following high-profile legal proceedings. In June, the US Department of Justice filed charges against former ship captain John Merrone for allegedly drugging and sexually assaulting a Merchant Marine Academy cadet aboard the Liberty Glory in 2019. This marked the first US federal prosecution for sexual assault on a commercial vessel in more than four decades.
The case, which surfaced after media reports and advocacy efforts, underscored gaps in oversight. Merrone had previously been convicted of offences in Florida yet continued to command vessels hosting cadets. The incident contributed to renewed scrutiny of the US Merchant Marine Academy’s Sea Year training programme, which was temporarily paused in 2021.
Governments and operators have since introduced new measures. The US Safer Seas Act, passed in 2022, created stricter reporting requirements for sexual assault and harassment aboard US-flagged vessels and authorised the Coast Guard to revoke credentials of offenders.
As part of the act’s implementation, the US Navy will begin installing video and audio recording cameras in passageways of 100 Military Sealift Command ships starting June 2025. The installation, expected to be complete by 2028 or sooner, prioritises vessels with larger crews.
Industry bodies have also highlighted the psychological impact of harassment. The International Seafarers’ Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN) has identified abuse as a significant mental health challenge for crew, with isolation at sea often preventing victims from seeking help.
A 2023 report by the Seafarers’ Charity found women seafarers face particular difficulties in reporting misconduct due to fear of retaliation, concern for perpetrators’ families, or a belief that complaints would not lead to meaningful action. The report urged stronger welfare support and clearer reporting processes.
Surveys by groups such as WISTA International and Safer Waves similarly show that harassment, bullying and discrimination are widespread issues, with many seafarers preferring anonymous helplines or online support rather than formal complaints.
Calls for action from insurers, regulators and welfare groups underline the scale of the problem and the complexity of implementing effective safeguards. With court cases, legislative reforms and advocacy campaigns shaping the debate, the maritime sector faces increasing pressure to address sexual misconduct comprehensively.
Should marine insurers and shipowners be doing more to tackle misconduct at sea? Share your views in the comments.
