Guidance

MGN 718 (M+F): 2026 IMO Amendment to PSSR

Updated 3 September 2026

Notice to all Owners, Masters, Officers, Ratings and those concerned with maritime training.

This notice replaces MIN 729 (M+F).

1. Purpose of this amendment

This notice replaces MIN 729 and provides updated UK MCA policy regarding the implementation of IMO Resolution MSC.560(108) in relation to Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities (PSSR).

To support implementation, the MCA is introducing a free, online and accessible training module to assist seafarers and companies in meeting the updated competence requirements in a consistent, straightforward and supportive manner.

2. Background

IMO Resolution MSC.560(108), adopted on 23 May 2024, introduced amendments to STCW Code Table A‑VI/1‑4, including new mandatory competence relating to:

“Contribute to the prevention of and response to violence and harassment, including sexual harassment, bullying and sexual assault.”

These amendments entered into force on 1 January 2026.

The amendments require seafarers to demonstrate knowledge of:

• prevention of violence and harassment

• identification and reporting of such behaviours

• understanding impacts on safety, health and wellbeing

• appropriate response and support, including trauma‑informed principles

3. Revised MCA policy: applicability to all seafarers

As previously set out in MIN 729 (M+F), further clarification was being sought at the IMO regarding the requirement for all seafarers to complete training covering the additional competence introduced by MSC.560(108).

Following the outcome of the IMO working group and the findings of the HTW Sub-Committee session (February 2026), the MCA position has now been revised.

The MCA now requires, for the purposes of demonstrating compliance with STCW Table A‑VI/1‑4, that:

• all seafarers, who are required to hold a PSSR Certificate must complete additional training covering the new competence introduced by MSC.560(108). The MCA has arranged for an e-learning module developed by OneOcean for use free of charge

However:

• all MCA-approved PSSR courses completed on or after 1 January 2026 include this additional learning outcome

• therefore, candidates holding an MCA-approved PSSR certificate dated on or after 1 January 2026 are not required to complete the supplementary e-learning module

This revision reflects IMO decisions and ensures:

• consistent compliance with updated STCW requirements, and

• the promotion of safe and respectful working environments across the maritime sector

4. Mandatory training requirement

4.1 Requirement

All seafarers, regardless of rank, who are employed or engaged in any capacity on board a ship, as part of the ship’s complement, with designated safety or pollution prevention duties in the operation of the vessel, are required to undertake this training.

All of the following must complete the additional training:

• holders of UK PSSR certificate (A-VI/1-4) dated before 1 January 2026

• holders of UK Certificates of Competency (CoC)

• holders of UK Certificates of Proficiency (CoP)

• all UK-certified officers and ratings

For those seafarers who have already completed training on IMO MSC.560(108) regarding the prevention of and response to violence and harassment, including bullying, sexual harassment, and sexual assault: MCA will accept a course certificate issued by any IMO White List Flag State provided that:

• the certificate references IMO MSC.560(108)

and

• the certificate is dated before the published date of this MGN 718 (18 August 2026)

4.2 Approved delivery method

The MCA has arranged for this requirement to be met through the:

‘Prevention and Response to Violence & Harassment’ module (reference: 0900), delivered by OneOcean.

This online module:

• is aligned with STCW requirements under Table A‑VI/1‑4

• covers prevention, identification, response and reporting

• is available free of charge to all UK seafarers and UK-MCA certified seafarers

• is available to take 24 hours a day

• can also be taken on a mobile phone

• should take around 1 hour to complete

• has no final assessment

5. Deadline for completion

All affected seafarers (as per section 4.1 above) must complete this online module no later than 31 March 2027.

Failure to complete the training by this date may affect:

• certificate revalidation

• demonstration of compliance during inspections, particularly outside the Paris MoU region

• eligibility to work on vessels at sea

6. Evidence of completion

Upon successful completion of the module:

• seafarers will receive a OneOcean Verification of Training document

• this verification shall be accepted by the MCA as valid evidence of having completed the required training

6.1 Use of verification

The Verification of Training may be presented as evidence for:

• new or revalidation of UK CoC or CoP

• Port State Control or Flag State inspection, if asked

• requests by an authorised officer

The accepted format is digital only.

No additional certificate will be required by the MCA.

7. Responsibilities of companies and seafarers

7.1 Companies

Companies should:

• ensure all UK-certified personnel complete the module within the required timeframe

• maintain records of training completion

• promote awareness of the new requirements

7.2 Seafarers

Seafarers are responsible for:

• completing the module before the deadline 

• retaining their Verification of Training

• producing evidence (digital format) when required

8. OneOcean access and completion process

8.1 Step-by-step process

The following step‑by‑step process describes how seafarers can access, complete and obtain verification for the ‘Prevention and Response to Violence & Harassment’ module (reference: 0900).

Individual seafarers access the module

• Visit: Ocean Technologies Group – Learning Platform

• Type 0900 in the ‘Search for a course’ search box (top-right) and press Enter 

   (Simplest way to locate the correct module)

• Check you have selected 0900 (version for UK Certified Seafarers)

• Click ‘Add to cart’

• Click the ‘Cart’ button (top-right) 

   (If using a phone, access the cart via the menu button)

Apply MCA coupon code

• Enter coupon code: mca_prvh26

• Click ‘Apply coupon’ (required to make the course free)

• Click ‘Proceed to checkout’

Create your account

• Enter:

   - First name

   - Last name

   - Email address

   - Create password

• Click ‘Register’

• Complete billing details (required but total will be £0)

• Click ‘Place order’

Access your course

• Click ‘Go to my courses’

• Enter your nationality and date of birth

• Click ‘Continue to My Courses’

• Click ‘Prevention and Response to Violence & Harassment (version for UK Certified Seafarers)’

• Click the PDF link under the ‘Confirmation Statement’

• Read the ‘Ocean Shop End User Terms’ which will open in a new window

• Tick the box if you agree to the End User Terms (this will enable access to the course)

• Click ‘Start ‘button under the course title

Complete the training

• Complete all 16 lessons including all videos, exercises and knowledge checks

• Open the progress sidebar (three vertical lines in top left of content screen) to check saved progress

Finish the course correctly

• Scroll to the top and click: ‘Save and return to course menu’ (top-right)

Download your Verification of Training

• Upon completion, you will return to the general page where an option will be presented to view your Verification of Training document. Click view your ‘Verification of Training’

• Click on ‘Get your verification of training’ to download the digital certificate

Keep your record

• Download and save your certificate

• Keep it accessible (digital copy recommended)

• Your Verification of Training document will be permanently held in your Ocean Shop account under ‘My Courses’ for access at any time

• Present it when required

Helpful tips

• Use ‘0900’ to find the course quickly

• Ensure all sections show ‘Completed’ before exiting

• Use the progress sidebar to track completion

Mobile guidance

• Use the menu button to access the cart

• Switch to landscape mode if needed

---

8.2 Miscellaneous

• no additional MCA certificate will be issued

• the ‘Verification of Training’ issued by OneOcean is sufficient evidence

• training completion data may be made available to MCA if required

• the module will remain available free of charge for UK seafarers and UK‑MCA certified seafarers under the agreed arrangement, for the agreed period

9. Technical support

For assistance with access or technical issues:

• use the support function within Ocean Shop, or

• contact OneOcean Customer Support: hello@oceantg.com

10. Further information

For queries regarding this requirement:

UK Seafarer Services
Maritime and Coastguard Agency
Spring Place, 
105 Commercial Road, 
Southampton
SO15 1EG

Email: exams@mcga.gov.uk