VIKAND Backs Industry Efforts to Improve Diversity and Tackle Harassment in the Maritime Industry

Strategic Insights -

Maritime healthcare specialist VIKAND has pledged its support to the International Maritime Organization's (IMO) 2025 campaign theme, "My Harassment-Free Ship," in preparation for the Day of the Seafarer on June 25th. The campaign aims to address the significant issue of harassment faced by seafarers, with over 50% of female seafarers and many male seafarers reporting experiences of bullying and harassment at sea. According to the report "Workplace bullying and harassment at sea: A structured literature review," the prevalence of workplace bullying and harassment at sea ranges from 8% to 25% of all seafarers, while over 50% of women seafarers have reported experiencing harassment.

Key Takeaways:

  • VIKAND has expressed concern that women are still not finding careers in the maritime industry attractive, with women accounting for just 1% of seafarers employed by surveyed organizations, as shown in the IMO-WISTA Women in Maritime Survey 2024.
  • The company pointed out that its cruise industry roots have led it to create a full toolbox of solutions to drive progress toward a safer environment onboard for all, with initiatives such as a 24/7 crew helpline or Crew Wellness Pulse Check.
  • VIKAND encouraged and applauded initiatives within commercial shipping that promote diversity and strengthen social cohesion onboard, noting that crews with more inclusive environments are better equipped to handle the rigors of life at sea - regardless of gender.
  • The company is committed to supporting companies that take an active stance against harassment and in favor of diversity, offering expertise in healthcare, mental wellbeing, and other social support tools to assist them on this journey.

Statistics:

  • Over 50% of female seafarers have experienced bullying and harassment at sea (IMO-WISTA Women in Maritime Survey 2024).
  • VIKAND has managed more than 100,000 medical encounters per year across 330 vessels, and supports the physical and mental wellness of hundreds of thousands of passengers and crew.
  • According to the IMO-WISTA Women in Maritime Survey 2024, women accounted for just 1% of seafarers employed by surveyed organizations.
  • The prevalence of workplace bullying and harassment at sea ranges from 8% to 25% of all seafarers (Workplace bullying and harassment at sea: A structured literature review).
  • Over 50% of women seafarers have reported experiencing harassment, while many male seafarers have also experienced bullying and harassment at sea.

Sources:

  • "Workplace bullying and harassment at sea: A structured literature review"
  • IMO-WISTA Women in Maritime Survey 2024
  • VIKAND press release (M2 PressWIRE, June 24, 2025)
  • International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) industry principles to eliminate harassment and bullying at sea
  • United States Coast Guard-sponsored AMVER (Automated Mutual-Assistance Vessel Rescue) system