When the Silent Ones Leave: Addressing bullying, harassment and the hidden loss of talent at sea Loss Prevention Published: November 25, 2025 Download article pdf For cadets, joining their first vessel should be the start of both an adventure and a lifelong career. The excitement of stepping onboard for the first time, the pride of wearing a uniform, and the opportunity to learn from experienced crew members should create a sense of belonging and ambition. But for some, that dream ends far earlier than expected, not because of the work itself, but because of how they are treated onboard. The reality of bullying, harassment, and exclusion can quickly replace enthusiasm with disillusionment. At MHSS, we have spoken to numerous cadets who made the difficult decision not to continue their maritime careers after their very first contract. Often, the reason isn’t physical hardship or the challenging work environment, it’s the repeated experiences of feeling undervalued, dismissed, or even targeted. “It wasn’t the long hours that got to me, it was the way I was spoken to every day” shared one former cadet.  “By the end of the contract, I knew I couldn’t spend my life in that kind of environment.” The unspoken losses When cadets walk away, the maritime industry loses more than a worker. It loses years of potential skill, leadership, and the diverse perspectives that drive progress. This loss is especially significant when it affects women, people from minority backgrounds, and those with medical conditions such as chronic illnesses, disabilities, or mental health challenges - anything that can make seafaring more difficult or increase the risk of exclusion. Losing these voices not only impacts diversity but weakens the industry’s ability to adapt, innovate and thrive. One cadet recalled: “I was told I had to ‘toughen up’ and stop asking questions. But how do you learn if you can’t ask? I started staying silent, and that’s when I realised I wasn’t growing, I was just su