SOCP Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Prevention
The Ship Operations Cooperative Program (SOCP) under a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD) has developed tools for the prevention of sexual assault and sexual harassment affecting the shipboard climate in the U.S. maritime industry.
Maritime SASH Prevention and Response eLearning Program
The Maritime Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment (SASH) Prevention and Response eLearning Program, developed by the Ship Operations Cooperative Program (SOCP) in partnership with the Maritime Administration (MARAD), is a comprehensive training solution designed for the U.S. maritime industry.
The course meets annual training requirements under the EMBARC Standards Program and supports compliance with the Safer Seas Act.
This isn’t a simple “check-the-box” training. It uses realistic onboard situations, interactive decision‑making, and practical examples to help mariners recognize, prevent, and respond to inappropriate behavior.
The curriculum covers the full Continuum of Harm, from early boundary-crossing behaviors to serious offenses, and provides concrete steps mariners can apply immediately in real-world settings.
To support different operational needs, the program is available in two formats:
SCORM Package (for LMS Use)
Ideal for organizations using a Learning Management System. The SCORM version allows for seamless uploading, assignment, tracking, reporting, and certification management. It’s compatible with most industry-standard LMS platforms.
Standalone Application (.exe)
For organizations without an LMS or for users who need a training option that runs directly on a computer. This version launches as a self-contained application, offering the full training experience without requiring internet connectivity or a learning platform.
Both versions are available in animated and text-based formats to support different learning preferences, including trauma‑sensitive delivery.
To get started, simply choose the download option that fits your needs.
SASH Desk Reference Guide for Maritime Personnel
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The Ship Operations Cooperative Program (SOCP) has released the SASH Desk Reference Guide, a practical, easy‑to‑use resource designed to help maritime personnel respond effectively and respectfully to incidents of sexual assault and sexual harassment (SASH).
Developed under a cooperative agreement with the Maritime Administration (MARAD) and in support of the Every Mariner Builds A Respectful Culture (EMBARC) Program, the guide reinforces the U.S. maritime industry’s zero‑tolerance commitment to SASH. Created in partnership with NOVA, the Desk Reference Guide is designed for SASH Contacts and Key Responders, including vessel leadership, supervisors, academies, and crewmembers,who may be the first to receive a disclosure.
The guide provides clear, step‑by‑step response checklists, trauma‑informed communication guidance, and reporting and documentation tools to support consistent, respectful, and effective responses. It also includes prevention and culture‑building resources, along with self‑care tools for responders managing the emotional impact of these situations.
Intended as a quick‑access reference, not a replacement for training or company policy, the SASH Desk Reference Guide complements SOCP’s 40‑hour SASH Contact Training Course and is suitable for use on vessels, at maritime academies, and within company operations.
SASH Contact Training Course
In partnership with NOVA, the Ship Operations Cooperative Program (SOCP) offers a comprehensive, 40-hour course for Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment (SASH) Contacts in the U.S. maritime industry.
Designed to meet the Every Mariner Builds A Respectful Culture (EMBARC) Standards Program, the course covers trauma-informed care, reporting requirements, investigation processes, and resources for victims/survivors.
Participants completing this training are eligible (but not required) to apply as a National Advocate Credentialing Program (NACP) Credentialed Advocate under the Provisional Level.
This free course is available online through the SOCP website.
Feedback given on the SASH Contact Training Course:
"Having just recently completed the SOCP/NOVA SASH Contact Training Course – Maritime Industry, I wanted to let you know that this course was a success in not only providing the necessary general training that all SASH contacts should have but also bringing in and focusing on the unique challenges that the maritime industry faces when dealing with SASH incidences and providing a wealth of information and tools."
"I believe that this training is a game changer, and it would be wonderful to be able to review and revisit it as a refresher in the future. I would recommend this training to all those involved with advocacy in all areas of the maritime industry."
Best Practices Guide
Best Practices Guide (BPG) on prevention of sexual assault, sexual harassment, retaliation, bystander intervention, bullying, hazing, coercion, stalking, and other prohibited behaviors in the U.S. Merchant Marine. This BPG is designed to identify and share the best practices used by maritime companies of all sizes to implement prevention-and-response policies for such prohibited behaviors in the workplace. SOCP developed the BPG under a cooperative agreement with the Maritime Administration (MARAD) to address issues affecting the shipboard climate in the U.S. maritime industry.
The BPG contains five separate sections for reference and guidance for the Employee and the Company. The Employee section is designed to provide U.S. merchant mariners and shore-based personnel with meeting their responsibility to be respectful and actively participate in a work environment free of sexual assault, sexual harassment and other prohibited behaviors. The Company section provides six best practices which should be part of every company’s policy on such behaviors in the workplace, whether onshore or at sea. Existing best practices, policies and procedures are emphasized within each section, with examples in the Annexes.
Updated SASH Prevention Posters
Click Poster to View & Download
SASH Prevention Tool Kit
The “Tool Kit,” contains 4 quick reference guide brochures targeted to support the Company, Master, Shoreside Personnel, and Victims. Zero tolerance techniques and tips for prevention of and response to SASH behaviors are provided as appropriate for the different intended audiences. There are also 17 downloadable SASH Prevention posters, which include some of the following themes: All Reports Investigated, Responsibility, Safety on Shore Leave, Zero Tolerance Culture, Negative Effects, and more. SOCP encourages companies to post these onboard their vessels as well as in shoreside facilities.