Dear Member,

In the letter dated 23.10.2025 and numbered 3138750, sent to our Chamber by the Directorate General of Maritime Affairs of the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure, it was stated that with the Resolution No. MSC.560(108), adopted by the Maritime Safety Committee of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) on 23 May 2024, a new section titled: "Contributing to the prevention of and response to violence and harassment, including sexual harassment, bullying and sexual assault" has been added to Part A-VI/1 of the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW Code), and that this provision will enter into force on 1 January 2026.

This matter was previously announced to our members through our Circular dated 27.10.2025 and numbered 824.

Within this framework, regarding the SASH (Prevention of Violence and Harassment) Section, which will enter into force on 1 January 2026, the Directorate General of Maritime Affairs of the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure has announced that:

There is no requirement to obtain an additional “SASH Certificate”,

There is no requirement to complete an additional “SASH Training”,

It is sufficient to follow the standard certificate renewal procedures,

The first trainings and refresher trainings received at authorized training institutions after 1 January 2026 will include the SASH curriculum.

We kindly submit this information for your knowledge.

                                                                                                          Sincerely,

                                                                                                          İsmet SALİHOĞLU
                                                                                                          Secretary General