July 24, 2024
New York, NY
By: M.
As a longtime maritime worker, I’ve seen firsthand the devastating impact that sexual harassment can have on individuals, and on the industry as a whole. It’s a pervasive problem that often goes unaddressed or worse, is enabled, leaving survivors feeling isolated, afraid, and unsure of where to turn. I know… because I’ve been there myself. After experiencing sexual harassment from a senior crew member, I felt lost and alone, unsure of my rights and options. That’s why I’m sharing my story and the lessons I’ve learned, in hopes of helping other maritime workers navigate this difficult and often overwhelming situation.
You Are Not Responsible
Above all else, always remember: It’s NOT your fault. Whatever your behaviour or clothes were, everybody deserves to work in an atmosphere where sexual assaults and sexual harassment (SASH) are treated with the most serious disciplinary consequences, and procedures and trainings are in place to prevent them from happening in the first place. Likewise, you should not feel ashamed, even if you drank some alcohol; even if, as a coping mechanism, you remained friendly with your harasser. Your harasser is the one who should feel ashamed. Always remember that.
Recognizing Harassment
Harassment in general may include, but is not limited to: offensive jokes, slurs, epithets or name calling, physical assaults or threats, intimidation, ridicule or mockery, insults or put-downs, offensive objects or pictures of a sexual nature, and interference with work performance.
Sexual harassment in particular will often vary from sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, to other forms of verbal or physical harassment of a sexual nature, as per the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
My Story
As someone who has experienced it firsthand, I can tell you that it’s not always easy to recognize when it’s happening. You might try to brush off inappropriate comments or blame yourself for attracting unwanted attention. But it’s important to trust your instincts. If something feels wrong or makes you uncomfortable, it probably falls into this category.
In my case, the harassment started with small comments and “accidental” touches. I tried to ignore it at first, telling myself that I was overreacting. But as time went on, the behaviour of my harasser escalated, and I couldn’t deny the reality of what was happening. It took a lot of courage for me to acknowledge the harassment and decide to take action.
First, Ensure Your Physical Safety as Much as You an
There is no one size fits all here, as every situation is different, but there might be steps that you can take to mitigate the harassment on the ship while you weigh your options. Keeping the doors of your cabin locked when you are inside, avoiding any alcohol intake, making sure no one prepares you a drink (even tea or water) on the ship, avoiding being alone in a room/location with the offender, etc. Consider and implement any steps that will provide you more peace of mind in order to act on the harassment itself.
Documenting the Incidents
One of the most important things that you can do if you’re experiencing sexual harassment is to document everything. Keep a detailed record of each incident, including dates, times, locations, and any witnesses. Write down exactly what was said or done, and how it made you feel. This documentation will be crucial if you decide to report the harassment or take legal action. The gold standards, as they are undeniable proof, and many offenders feel so immune that they aren’t careful with those are: screenshots of chat conversations/messages, audio recordings or even: video recordings. If you feel safe enough, having those will help your case greatly down the line and can ensure the offender is fired, prosecuted and sentenced.
I know it can be scary to keep such records, especially if you’re worried about retaliation. But having that evidence can make all the difference.
When I finally worked up the courage to seek out for help and report my harasser, having a detailed written account of what had happened and screenshots of messages gave me the credibility and confidence I needed to be taken seriously.
However: never endanger your safety. If the circumstances don’t allow it: do not do it. Your safety and security come first, including psychologically.
Seeking Support
Dealing with sexual harassment can be incredibly isolating and traumatic. It’s important to reach out for support, whether that’s from friends, survivors, family, or mental health professionals. Organizations like MaLAA specialize in supporting survivors in the maritime industry with proven results (See Midshipman X vs Maersk here and here).
There is also a Facebook group (Mariners for Safer Seas) and an instagram page that can provide valuable resources, support and advice from other survivors and activists trying to change the situation, using, among others the crucial Safer Seas Act which was passed after the Midshipman X turning point.
Don’t hesitate to create a Facebook account under pseudonym, for instance, so as to be fully anonymous and feel safe while you contact other survivors and activists, and weigh your options on how to respond to this harassment while it is still ongoing. Or if you still feel terrified by the possible consequences it could have on your career, and your life.
When I was going through my own experience, I felt so alone. I didn’t know who to talk to or where to turn. Afterwards, I started reaching out and connecting with other survivors, and I realized that I wasn’t alone. I can say today that having that support system made all the difference in my healing journey.
Reporting the Harassment
When it comes to reporting sexual harassment, you have several options. You can inform your supervisor or the ship’s captain, if you feel safe enough to do so professionally and psychologically (in some cases, the supervisor might be the offender, or enable these types of behaviour/atmosphere on the ship); contact your union representative; or reach out to your company’s HR department. You can also file a complaint with external agencies like the U.S. Coast Guard (although they have long been criticized for their poor record on SASH at sea) or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
I know that reporting can be intimidating, especially if your harasser is in a position of power. But it’s important to remember that you have rights, and there are laws in place to protect you from retaliation.
This is why it is important, in these circumstances, to be well accompanied. There are law firms specialized in these types of crimes. They can provide valuable advice prior to starting the reporting process. Indeed, not all institutions have flawless and efficient procedures when it comes to reporting and tackling SASH. You will have to be strong while it lasts.
Having a legal accompaniment during this process is key to leading it to the necessary outcome, i.e. the cessation of the harassment and the punishment of the offender. When I reported my harassment, I was terrified of the consequences. But I also knew that I couldn’t stay silent any longer. And while the process wasn’t easy, it was worth it to finally feel heard and validated.
I wish I had been accompanied legally at the time (I only found the appropriate attorney several years after), but alas I wasn’t aware such options were there for me, which is why I am writing this article today, to help others in the same situation.
Conclusion
Sexual harassment is an extremely serious issue that no maritime worker should have to face alone. As a survivor myself, I know how overwhelming and isolating it can feel. But I also know that there is hope and help available. By recognizing the signs of harassment, ensuring your immediate safety on the ship, documenting the incidents, reporting the behavior, and seeking legal and peer support, you can take back your power and your voice. It won’t be easy, but you are strong, resilient, and worthy of respect. And you are not alone. Together, we can work to create a safer, more inclusive maritime industry for all.
Useful contacts:
Maritime Legal Aid and Advocacy MaLAA
Seaworthy Support Network: [Contact Information]
Maritime Wellness Initiative: [Contact Information]
The Coast Guard Investigative Service (CGIS): 1-877-595-5580
The Maritime Administration (MARAD): 1-877-731-3949
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC): [Contact Information]
End Workplace abuse https://endworkplaceabuse.com/
RAINN’s National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673
ISWAN counselling Yachtcrew Help https://www.yachtcrewhelp.org/
Herstory – resource for SASH survivors https://herstory.global/