Silent Voices: Prevalence, Effects, and Responses to Bullying among Shipboard Cadets

Resumen

Bullying on board ships critically undermines seafarers’ mental health and operational safety. This study examined the various forms of bullying experienced by cadets onboard maritime vessels, the extent to which they were affected by bullying, and how they coped with it. A descriptive design was employed, primarily utilizing quantitative data collected through surveys, supplemented by actual statements from participants obtained during individual interviews. Frequency and Rank were used to analyze forms of bullying, while mean and standard deviation were employed to measure the extent to which bullying was experienced. Coping strategies were thematized based on interview responses. The findings revealed a high extent of bullying, with verbal bullying, discrimination, and physical bullying being the most common. Various bullying situations took these forms, with the most severe being excessively criticizing a crew member through derogatory language, insults, or threats. Cadets primarily drew on the emotional support of family, friends, and colleagues to cope and exercised relaxation skills. The study concluded that bullying does indeed occur on board, and cadets employ personal coping measures to address it. Recommendations were put forth to augment anti-bullying policies and implement compulsory training programs to ensure a respectful and inclusive maritime workplace culture.