DAY OF THE SEAFARER 2025: My Harassment-Free Ship

Published: 25. June 2025

To mark this year’s Day of the Seafarer, we asked Captain Kyrylo Shchetyna how he works to create a safe, respectful, and supportive ship. Here’s what he shared — in his own words.

Looking after the crew starts with the basics:

“Care begins with the fundamentals: respect, active listening, and honesty. I make a point of having regular, informal conversations with crew members — not just about work, but also to check in on how they’re doing personally. Understanding individual circumstances helps build trust and a positive atmosphere on board.”

 

Making everyone feel appreciated and involved:

“Everyone should feel like an essential and appreciated part of the team. I always acknowledge good work — both privately and in front of others. I also encourage initiative. When someone suggests an improvement, I take it seriously and try to implement it when possible. That shows every voice matters.”

 

Sharing everyday moments to build team spirit:

“We play FIFA on the PlayStation, train together in the ship’s gym, and share good meals around the table. Sometimes it’s enough just to sit down for a coffee and talk about life — not work. That’s important too.”

 

Being approachable as a leader:

“I always say, ‘My door is open.’ Even with a tight schedule, I make it a priority to be available. Crew members should feel confident they can come to me with any issue, knowing they’ll be heard without judgment.”

 

Creating a bullying-free environment is part of safety:

“I never ignore signs of conflict or tension. At the first sign of discomfort, I act. I listen to all sides, maintain confidentiality, and set clear boundaries for respectful behaviour. If needed, I arrange private conversations or group discussions to restore a healthy atmosphere.”

 

A message to all seafarers:

“A bullying-free ship is not just a moral obligation — it’s a critical part of safety and operational success. Life at sea demands unity. And by supporting each other, we can face any challenge together.”