Guidance: MGN 718 (M+F): 2026 IMO amendment to PSSR

Notice to all Owners, Masters, Officers, Ratings and those concerned with maritime training.

This notice replaces MIN 729 and provides updated UK MCA policy regarding the implementation of IMO Resolution MSC.560(108) in relation to Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities (PSSR).

To support implementation, the MCA is introducing a free, online and accessible training module to assist seafarers and companies in meeting the updated competence requirements in a consistent, straightforward and supportive manner.

IMO Resolution MSC.560(108), adopted on 23 May 2024, introduced amendments to STCW Code Table A‑VI/1‑4, including new mandatory competence relating to:

“Contribute to the prevention of and response to violence and harassment, including sexual harassment, bullying and sexual assault.”

These amendments entered into force on 1 January 2026.

The amendments require seafarers to demonstrate knowledge of:

identification and reporting of such behaviours

understanding impacts on safety, health and wellbeing

appropriate response and support, including trauma‑informed principles

3. Revised MCA policy: applicability to all seafarers

As previously set out in MIN 729 (M+F), further clarification was being sought at the IMO regarding the requirement for all seafarers to complete training covering the additional competence introduced by MSC.560(108).

Following the outcome of the IMO working group and the findings of the HTW Sub-Committee session (February 2026), the MCA position has now been revised.

The MCA now requires, for the purposes of demonstrating compliance with STCW Table A‑VI/1‑4, that:

all MCA-approved PSSR courses completed on or after 1 January 2026 include this additional learning outcome