SOCP Releases SASH Desk Reference Guide for Maritime Personnel

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Date: May 14, 2026

The Ship Operations Cooperative Program (SOCP) announces the release of the SASH Desk Reference Guide, a practical, easy-to-use tool designed to assist maritime industry personnel in responding to sexual assault and sexual harassment (SASH) incidents. Developed under a cooperative agreement with the Maritime Administration (MARAD), this guide supports the Every Mariner Builds A Respectful Culture (EMBARC) Program and reinforces the U.S. maritime industry’s zero-tolerance commitment to SASH.

The Desk Reference Guide, developed in partnership with NOVA, is intended for SASH Contacts and Key Responders—including vessel leadership, supervisors, and crewmembers—who may be the first to receive or respond to a disclosure of SASH. It provides step-by-step checklists, trauma-informed communication practices, and guidance on reporting and documentation to ensure consistent, respectful, and effective responses.

Key features of the SASH Desk Reference Guide include:

• Step-by-step response checklists for immediate action following a disclosure.

• Reporting flow charts and documentation tools to help responders navigate company, Coast Guard, academy, and law enforcement requirements.

• Trauma-informed communication tips to support victims/survivors with respect and dignity.

• Prevention and culture-building resources for shipboard safety meetings, onboarding, and leadership engagement.

• Self-care tools for responders managing the emotional impacts of handling SASH incidents.

This guide complements the SOCP’s 40-hour SASH Contact Training Course and provides a quick-access reference that can be used in real time on vessels, at maritime academies, and in company operations. While not a replacement for training or policy, the guide equips responders with actionable resources to foster a culture of fairness, dignity, and respect across the U.S. maritime industry.

The SASH Desk Reference Guide is available for free download at the SOCP website: www.socp.us

 

SOCP Announces Release of Maritime SASH Prevention and Response eLearning Program

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Date: April 2, 2026

The Ship Operations Cooperative Program (SOCP) proudly announces the release of its Maritime Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment (SASH) Prevention and Response eLearning 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.

A New Standard for Maritime Training

Built specifically for the maritime environment, this immersive eLearning 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 eLearning Program is available for download through the SOCP website is https://www.socp.us/

The course is best deployed through a Learning Management System (LMS) to ensure proper tracking, completion, and certification.

SOCP in Cooperation with NOVA Releases SASH Contact Training Course

The Ship Operations Cooperative Program (SOCP) in cooperation with National Organization for Victim Advocacy (NOVA) announces the release of a maritime based course for industry SASH Contacts.

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Date: September 10, 2024

The SOCP’s Achieving a Respectful Onboard Culture (AROC) Technical Team developed the course under a cooperative agreement with the Maritime Administration (MARAD) to support the Every Mariner Builds A Respectful Culture (EMBARC) Program and address issues affecting the shipboard climate in the U.S. Maritime Industry. The AROC team compiled industry input and created an outline with course requirements as a basis for NOVA to use in developing this US Maritime focused course for SASH contacts. 

This 40-hour course was designed to meet EMBARC standards, including eligibility for National Advocate Credentialing Program (NACP) Provisional Certification as a Victim Advocate. The course provides SASH Contacts with the training and tools to help victims/survivors in a trauma informed manner. Topics include, but are not limited to, a background in the neurobiology of trauma, reporting requirements (company, United States Coast Guard, maritime academies, and MARAD), resources for victims/survivors, expected investigation process, jurisdiction, and trauma informed care. 

The course is available free of charge and can be accessed through the SOCP website at SASH Prevention Materials | SOCP.  Upon completion of the course, participants are provided with instructions on the application process for NACP Provisional Certification.