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As of January 1, 2026, basic safety training for seafarers includes a new component: knowing how to prevent and manage situations of violence and harassment on board. This change stems from Resolution MSC.560(108) of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), which amends the STCW Code. For French seafarers who already hold a CFBS certificate, however, the entry into force of this rule does not mean they must immediately return to training.
A New Skill in Basic Training
Adopted on May 23, 2024, and effective as of January 1, 2026, Resolution MSC.560(108) amends Table A-VI/1-4 of the STCW Code, which deals with personal safety and social responsibilities.
The framework now includes a competency dedicated to preventing and responding to violence and harassment. This includes, in particular, sexual harassment, intimidation, and sexual assault. Seafarers must be trained, in particular, to identify these behaviors, report them, and know how to respond when an incident occurs.
In France, these requirements are incorporated into the Basic Safety Training Certificate (CFBS), a mandatory training program for seafarers entrusted with certain duties related to safety or pollution prevention aboard commercial vessels and yachts.
No immediate new CFBS for French sailors who have already been trained
For holders of a CFBS issued before the new provisions took effect, the French government has opted for a phased transition.
The existing certificate remains valid until its five-year expiration date. The supplement on the prevention of violence and harassment will be covered during the refresher training scheduled for the renewal of the course. Therefore, the seafarers concerned are not required to retake their CFBS immediately solely because MSC.560(108) has entered into force.
The administration has also provided for the situation in which a French seafarer is subject to an inspection abroad. A letter from the Director of Seafarers, made available by the French International Register, may be presented to the port State authorities to explain the French system and confirm the validity of the certificate during this transitional period.
The United Kingdom is imposing a surcharge before March 2027
Implementation in the United Kingdom follows a different timeline. In its advisory notice MGN 718, published in August and updated in early September 2026, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency requires additional training for seafarers covered by the U.K. PSSR if their training does not already include the new competencies.
Those who have completed an MCA-approved PSSR training course since January 1, 2026, are already covered. For seafarers subject to the supplemental requirement, however, the module must be completed no later than March 31, 2027 .
The MCA has selected an online training course lasting approximately one hour, which is available free of charge to the seafarers concerned. The British authorities warn that failure to comply may, among other things, have consequences when renewing certificates or when demonstrating compliance with requirements during certain inspections abroad.
An international rule, but different national transitions
The new STCW regulation is international. However, the procedures adopted to handle certificates issued before its entry into force may vary from one maritime administration to another.
For a seafarer with French subtitles, the key deadline is therefore the next renewal of their CFBS, during which the new content will be incorporated. For holders of British certifications governed by MCA regulations, the timeline is tighter, with a deadline of March 31, 2027.
For international crews or seafarers working under different flags, this difference makes it especially important to verify which authority issued the certificates rather than applying the rules of a single State indiscriminately to all STCW certificates.
