(NEW ORLEANS) — The Ship Operations Cooperative Program (SOCP) has released its maritime sexual assault and sexual harassment (SASH) prevention and response e-learning program, a comprehensive, SCORM-compliant training course developed to support the U.S. maritime industry’s commitment to a safe, respectful, and accountable workplace culture.
Developed under a cooperative agreement with the Maritime Administration (MarAd), this interactive training fulfills the annual training requirement under the EMBARC (Every Mariner Builds A Respectful Culture) standards program and is required for all U.S. maritime crewmembers and students attending maritime academies. This course replaces the current CBT program that is required in EMBARC. The SCORM (sharable content object reference model) version is available for download for those currently utilizing their own learning management system (LMS).
A new standard for maritime training
Built specifically for the maritime environment, this immersive e-learning course leverages realistic onboard scenarios, interactive decision-making, and adaptive learning paths to ensure mariners not only understand policy – but can apply it in real-world situations.
The course addresses the full “continuum of harm,” helping learners recognize behaviors ranging from subtle boundary violations to serious offenses, including sexual assault, harassment, and technology-facilitated abuse.
Compliance with the Safer Seas Act (SSA)
This training supports compliance with the Safer Seas Act (SSA), enacted as part of the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2023. The SSA mandates SASH training for U.S. maritime crewmembers and requires vessel owners, 
operators, and employers to report all incidents of sexual assault, sexual harassment, and related prohibited behaviors. The act further strengthens accountability across the industry by authorizing the U.S. Coast Guard to suspend or revoke credentials for individuals found guilty of SASH offenses and requires the integration of comprehensive SASH policies within company safety management systems.
Key benefits for maritime crewmembers
This training equips mariners with the knowledge and confidence to recognize, prevent, and respond to inappropriate behavior, support shipmates, and take appropriate action to maintain a safe and respectful vessel environment.
Designed for accessibility and impact
• SCORM-compliant for seamless LMS integration.
• Available in standard animated and alternative text-based formats for trauma-sensitive delivery.
• Includes interactive scenarios, knowledge checks, and certification upon completion.
• Provides reporting pathways and support resources, including U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service channels.
Industry collaboration driving change
This program builds on SOCP’s continued leadership in advancing maritime safety and culture, following previous initiatives such as SASH contact training and best practices guide, developed in partnership with industry stakeholders and federal agencies.
Through collaboration with vessel operators, unions, academies, and government partners, SOCP continues to deliver practical, high-impact solutions that improve the safety, security, and well-being of mariners.
Availability
The SASH prevention and response e-learning program is available for download through the SOCP website. The course is best deployed through a learning management system to ensure proper tracking, completion, and certification.
The Ship Operations Cooperative Program is a nonprofit organization of maritime industry professionals working together to improve the safety, productivity, efficiency, security, and environmental performance of U.S. vessel operations. SOCP collaborated with its members, which include U.S. shipowners and operators, maritime unions, academies, training institutions, government agencies and others, to solicit recommendations on the content of the best practices for the U.S. maritime industry.
– Ship Operations Cooperative Program
