The maritime industry faces a critical challenge in addressing sexual misconduct at sea, and marine insurers have a vital role to play in eliminating this issue, as highlighted during the International Union of Marine Insurance (IUMI) annual conference in Singapore on September 9, 2025. Charles Fernandez, Chair of the IUMI Legal & Liability Committee, urged the marine insurance sector to acknowledge its responsibility in tackling this serious problem during a Legal & Liability Workshop.

Women make up only 1% of the global seafaring workforce, yet a staggering 25% of women in maritime report experiencing physical or sexual assault. Fernandez noted that nearly all women in the industry have faced some form of sexual misconduct, ranging from subtle biases to severe assaults. Such behavior is entirely unacceptable and must be eradicated. The workshop discussed recent cases to raise awareness within the marine insurance community about this pervasive issue.

Although marine insurers do not directly manage vessel operations, they are integral to the maritime ecosystem and can leverage their influence to promote change. Fernandez emphasized that insurers must actively work to increase awareness of sexual misconduct at sea and support efforts to eliminate it entirely.

A significant barrier to addressing this issue is the underreporting of incidents. Many women fear that reporting misconduct could harm their careers, damage their reputation, or be dismissed outright. The complex legal framework further complicates matters, as jurisdiction may depend on the vessel’s flag state or the location where the incident occurred, making it challenging for victims to seek justice.

Shipowners bear a legal responsibility to ensure a safe working environment, and they can be held liable for sexual misconduct, especially if they were aware of a perpetrator’s prior behavior. Recent high-profile cases have resulted in substantial compensation claims, often covered by liability insurers, demonstrating the financial implications of failing to address this issue.

Fernandez highlighted that preventing sexual misconduct is not only a moral obligation but also a practical risk management strategy. Insurers have paid significant claims in recent cases, underscoring the need for proactive measures. Marine underwriters must ensure that their clients implement robust policies and safeguards to prevent all forms of sexual misconduct.

The International Union of Marine Insurance (IUMI) is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the interests of insurers in marine and transport insurance. By joining forces with other stakeholders, insurers can help create a safer and more equitable maritime industry.

Resource: www.imo.org.