The Centre for Maritime Studies organised a professional development session focusing on the prevention and response to violence and harassment, including sexual harassment, bullying, and sexual assault. Facilitated by lecturers from the School of Nursing, the session enhanced participants’ understanding of creating safe, respectful, and inclusive learning and working environments. Staff members were introduced to appropriate response mechanisms, reporting procedures, and strategies for promoting dignity and equality within educational institutions and workplaces. The session reinforced the University’s commitment to safeguarding, professional ethics, and staff wellbeing while supporting international standards for safe working environments, including those applicable to the maritime industry. The session was organised in line with the adoption of an amendment to the IMO’s STCW Code Table A-VI/1-4 in January 2026 adding a new competency to “Personal Safety and Social Responsibility” course. The new competency is “Contribute to the prevention of and response to violence and harassment, including sexual harassment, bullying and sexual assault”.