MIN 729 (M)+(F): 2026 IMO Amendment to PSSR
Published 3 December 2025
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Notice to all Owners, Masters, Officers, Ratings and those concerned with maritime training.
This MIN expires 31 May 2026.
1. Background
This MIN sets out the MCA’s current position on IMO Resolution MSC.560(108) which introduces new content on preventing violence and harassment to the Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities (PSSR) course (STCW Code, Table A-VI/1-4), from 1 January 2026.
2. Potential for this advice to change
The advice contained in this MIN could potentially change following the IMO Sub-Committee on Human element, Training and Watchkeeping (HTW-12) in late February 2026.
If there are any changes to our advice, we will communicate this via this MIN. As such, you may wish to sign up to ‘Get emails about this page’ (the button to sign up for any updates on this MIN can be found on the previous page).
3. Clarification on applicability of PSSR amendments for existing seafarers
The UK’s interpretation of the amendments to STCW Table A-VI/1-4, adopted through IMO Resolution MSC.560(108), is that the new requirements apply only to seafarers undertaking Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities (PSSR) training on or after 1 January 2026. Existing seafarers who already hold a valid PSSR certificate are not required to complete additional training to meet these amendments. This position is consistent with IMO circular guidance, although clarification is being sought at the IMO in February 2026 to address global uncertainty on this matter.
The MCA’s current view is that no changes are required for existing seafarers, namely:
- Those who undertook PSSR before 1 January 2026 do not need to redo PSSR training.
- There is no need for PSSR certificates issued by an MCA-approved training provider to be reissued; these certificates remain valid indefinitely.
- A UK-issued Certificate of Competency (CoC), Able Seafarer Certificate of Proficiency (CoP), and Watch Rating CoP continue to serve as proof of PSSR, as per sections 5.2 and 5.3 of MIN 643.
Additional notes:
- The MCA strongly recommends that all companies provide training and guidance for their seafarers in line with MSC.560(108), to promote good working practices and ensure a safe and supportive working environment.
- Existing seafarers may need to demonstrate compliance with MSC.560(108), and in some cases may be asked to re-take PSSR if their company or the Administration of the vessel’s flag state adopts a different approach.
4. Changes for new seafarers
From 1 January 2026, the PSSR course will also cover basic knowledge and understanding related to the prevention of violence and harassment, including bullying, sexual harassment and sexual assault.
The fundamental goal is to ensure seafarers understand the serious nature of these behaviours, the profound impact they have on individuals and ship safety, and their role in promoting a culture of dignity and respect on board.
To learn more about what this new content covers, please see Annex A.
The MCA does not propose to introduce additional national requirements or modules beyond those added by the IMO in MSC.560(108).
5. Changes for MCA training providers
On 3 October 2025, we notified our MCA-approved training providers (who deliver PSSR) of this upcoming change, along with instructions.
These training providers are working on updating their PSSR courses to include the new mandatory content (as outlined in Annex A) in time for courses running from 1 January 2026.
The inclusion of this new material will be reviewed through the MCA’s existing auditing regime and may be verified through other inspections.
MCA training providers with any questions about this change should email stc.courses@mcga.gov.uk
Additional notes:
- The MNTB Course Criteria for PSSR is currently under review and will be updated following the findings of the industry working group.
- Following the outcome of the working group and the findings from the HTW session at the IMO in February, the MCA will issue further guidance to clarify the UK position and associated training requirements.
Annex A
Table outlining the new additional content to PSSR (as per the updated STCW Table A-VI/1-4 found in MSC.560(108)):
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 | Column 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Competence | Knowledge, understanding and proficiency | Methods for demonstrating competence | Criteria for evaluating competence |
| Contribute to the prevention of and response to violence and harassment, including sexual harassment, bullying and sexual assault. | Prevention of violence and harassment: Basic knowledge and understanding of violence and harassment, including sexual harassment, bullying and sexual assault, and the continuum of harm. Basic knowledge and understanding of the consequences of violence and harassment, including sexual harassment, bullying and sexual assault on victims, perpetrators, bystanders and stakeholders, and its effects on safety, health, and well-being. Understand that, among others, abuse of power relations, discrimination, stress, isolation, fatigue, drugs, or alcohol may contribute to violence and harassment, including sexual harassment, bullying and sexual assault. Responding to violence and harassment: Ability to identify violence and harassment, including sexual harassment, bullying and sexual assault. Basic knowledge of the action to take to intervene in and report violence and harassment, including sexual harassment, bullying and sexual assault. Understand the basic principles of trauma-informed response and how to provide appropriate support to a victim, bystanders and self. |
Assessment of evidence obtained from approved instruction or during attendance at an approved course. | Acceptable practices and procedures designed for the prevention of violence and harassment, including sexual harassment, bullying and sexual assault are observed at all times. Able to identify violence and harassment, including sexual harassment, bullying and sexual assault, and the continuum of harm and its effects. Acceptable practices and procedures designed for the intervention in and reporting of violence and harassment, including sexual harassment, bullying and sexual assault are observed at all times. |
More information
UK Seafarer Services
Maritime and Coastguard Agency,
Bay 2/11
Spring Place,
105 Commercial Road,
Southampton,
SO15 1EG
Queries about this MIN: exams@mcga.gov.uk
General enquiries: infoline@mcga.gov.uk