MARAD looks at Merchant Marine “shipboard climate”

OCTOBER 14, 2016 — The U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD) has taken another step in its efforts to come to grips with problems that led to the suspension earlier this year of  the Sea Year, a core component of the education provided by the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, Kings Point, NY.

Looking beyond the academy, MARAD has signed a $198,000 cooperative agreement with the Ship Operations Cooperative Program (SOCP) to develop interactive Computer Based Training Modules, a Best Practices Tool Kit, and other training materials concerning appropriate shipboard climate within the U.S. Merchant Marine.

MARAD says the training material will help mariners better identify and prevent sexual harassment, bullying, retaliation, violence and other coercive behaviors as well as assist industry efforts to aggressively promote a culture of zero tolerance for such behavior. The Best Practices are to be developed by the end of December.

The development team members from MARAD, will include experienced licensed mariners from the Agency, both male and female, the MARAD Civil Rights Office, and a contractor experienced in addressing sexual harassment and other coercive behaviors in commercial industries.

SOCP, a non-profit organization comprised of maritime industry companies and professionals, was established to improve the safety, productivity, efficiency, security, and environmental performance of U.S. vessel operations.