A healthy working environment is a key factor in ensuring crew well-being, operational safety, and the long-term strength of the maritime industry. To support this goal, the Danish Maritime Authority has launched a new campaign focused on promoting respect, positive communication and a stronger culture of well-being on board Danish-flagged vessels.
The initiative was developed in cooperation with Danish Shipping and maritime trade unions as part of the follow-up to a study examining bullying and harassment within the Danish maritime sector. The campaign forms part of a broader effort to improve the psychosocial working environment at sea and encourage a workplace culture where all crew members feel safe, valued, and respected.
Safety on board is about more than physical protection, it also means creating an environment where everyone feels respected, valued, and secure, both during working hours and in their time off.
Credit: Danish Maritime Authority (DMA)
A safe workplace begins with how crew members treat one another. Harassment, bullying, shouting, personal insults, unwanted sexual attention, and speaking negatively about colleagues behind their backs have no place on board.
Behaviour that may be dismissed as “just a joke” can have serious consequences for those affected and for the wider working environment.
Mutual respect also means recognising and accepting differences. Every crew member, regardless of ethnicity, religion, sexuality, culture, or background, has the right to be treated with dignity and fairness. Everyone on board has a responsibility to speak up when they witness inappropriate or offensive behaviour, as remaining silent can allow harmful situations to continue.
Ship officers also play an important role in maintaining a safe and respectful community on board. Crew members are encouraged to seek support and raise concerns when something does not feel right.
Danish shipping is one of Denmark’s strongest international strengths. But behind the ships are people. That is why it is important that we work actively to ensure a working environment characterised by respect, trust and decent behaviour. I am pleased that shipping companies, seafarers and authorities are standing together behind this campaign.
…said Rikke Wetter Olufsen, Deputy Director General of the Danish Maritime Authority.
The campaign alone may not solve the challenges, but it can help create the conversations and awareness needed to prevent bullying and harassment on board Danish ships, highlights Olufsen. As explained, the campaign includes a film, a joint manifesto and a range of communication materials designed to support dialogue about the psychosocial working environment on board ships.
Respect – manifesto
Safety aboard is essential – at work, and in our time off. We spend long periods together at sea, which is why it matters how we interact and treat each other. There must be room for differences – but not for yelling, humiliation or remarks that cross the line. This includes things said ’in jest’.
If that’s the social tone, it’s bullying – and it may have serious implications for those on the receiving end. We are all responsible for our tone and relations. This is about how we face each other – even when things are hectic, or the atmosphere is tense. Display mental fortitude, help each other, and take issue if something’s not okay.
Management carries a particular responsibility for the community functioning – therefore, including them in case of a problem is entirely natural. We work and live closely together. That’s why respectful behaviour makes a genuine difference to all of us.
Let’s work with respect.
The campaign was launched on 15 June 2026, and will be distributed to Danish-flagged ships as well as through digital and social media channels