A new statutory definition of “harassment” in maritime law was added to U.S. code under the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act, replacing years of ambiguity about what constitutes reportable misconduct on commercial and naval vessels.
The updated definition ties harassment only to discrimination-based conduct covered by federal anti-discrimination laws — such as the Civil Rights Act, Age Discrimination in Employment Act, Americans with Disabilities Act, and related statutes.
Crew Safety & Well-Being — Many seafarers endure psychological mistreatment that doesn’t involve protected characteristics, yet this conduct can be destabilizing or even dangerous in isolated maritime workplaces.
Legal Protection Gap — Without a broader definition, victims of mental and emotional abuse may be left dependent on employer discretion, rather than statutory protections with clear reporting and enforcement rules.