Accra: Captain Georgina Jopap, a Maritime Safety and Security Consultant, has cautioned seafarers to speak up against harassments encountered in their line of duty onboard ships or vessels. The sea environment, she highlighted, is often hostile and isolated, lacking immediate support groups or family, thereby making bullying from superiors or peers a significant issue that can lead to a toxic working environment for seafarers.
According to Ghana News Agency, Captain Jopap shared her insights during the observance of the 2025 International Day of the Seafarer in Accra, themed 'My Harassment-Free Ship'. She recounted her experiences, noting that although she did not face extensive bullying, she and her colleagues were often targeted for dangerous, difficult, and dirty tasks under the guise of toughening them up. She emphasized that such behavior is unacceptable and called for greater awareness of harassment policies and rights among seafarers.
Captain Jopap, recognized as the first African woman to qualify as a Master Mariner, urged seafarers, especially women, to be confident in their abilities and to assert their rights to deter bullies. She also called on the government to facilitate the reporting of harassment by establishing confidential reporting mechanisms for victimized seafarers.
Captain Catherine Haizel, Country Inspector for the International Transport Workers Federation (ITF), echoed these sentiments, urging individuals to speak up and seek redress through appropriate channels. She highlighted the importance of having gender-balanced crews to foster a comfortable working environment and criticized the ineffective enforcement of anti-harassment policies, advocating for the inclusion of anti-bullying training in seafarer courses.
Mr. Francis Bebuksi, a Lawyer and Assistant Chief Labour Officer at the Labour Department, emphasized the importance of reporting harassment cases in accordance with labour laws and the International Labour Organization standards. He encouraged seafarers to seek legal redress and to document evidence of harassment to facilitate justice.
Mr. Awudu Inusah, Principal Maritime Administrative Officer at the Ghana Maritime Authority, noted that vessels serve as both home and workplace for seafarers, accommodating diverse cultural backgrounds. He advised seafarers to report any discomfort or challenges to the appropriate personnel, either onboard or onshore, to ensure their safety and well-being.
