The UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) has issued MGN 718 (M+F), introducing updated training requirements for seafarers following amendments to the STCW Code.
The guidance, published on 18 August 2026, implements IMO Resolution MSC.560(108) and introduces a new mandatory competence within Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities (PSSR) training focused on:
Contributing to the prevention of and response to violence and harassment, including sexual harassment, bullying and sexual assault.
The amendments to STCW Table A-VI/1-4 came into force on 1 January 2026 and are intended to strengthen knowledge and awareness around preventing, identifying, reporting and responding to inappropriate behaviour at sea.
Under the updated MCA guidance, additional training is required for:
Seafarers who completed an MCA-approved PSSR course on or after 1 January 2026 do not need to complete the supplementary module, as the updated competence is already incorporated into current MCA-approved PSSR training.
The MCA has arranged for affected seafarers to complete the requirement through OneOcean’s Prevention and Response to Violence & Harassment, reference 0900.
The online course:
Visit the Ocean Technologies Group learning platform and search for:
0900
Select the version for UK Certified Seafarers.
At checkout, use the MCA coupon code:
mca_prvh26
This will reduce the course cost to £0.
Following completion, seafarers will receive a digital Verification of Training, which should be retained as evidence of compliance.
Affected seafarers must complete the training by 31 March 2027.
Failure to complete the required training by the deadline may affect certificate revalidation, the ability to demonstrate compliance during Flag State or Port State inspections, and eligibility to work at sea.
Requirements may differ depending on a vessel’s Flag State and the certification held by individual crew members.
Crew, Captains and yacht management teams should therefore continue to monitor guidance issued by their applicable Flag State administration and licensing authority.
PYC will continue to monitor regulatory developments relevant to the yachts and crew we support and share further guidance as additional Flag State requirements are confirmed.
Even where the MCA requirement may not directly apply to a crew member’s certification, the updated training addresses an important area of onboard safety, welfare and professional conduct.
Maintaining accurate training records and understanding which requirements apply to each crew member is an important part of effective yacht crew administration.
Need help navigating crew certification, employment requirements or ongoing compliance?
The PYC team is here to help ensure the details behind your crew operation remain organised, compliant and properly managed.
