In this episode of the Women Offshore Podcast, we share the anonymous story of a mariner who navigated a series of deeply uncomfortable and inappropriate interactions while on hitch. This story does not involve physical violence, but it does involve emotional manipulation, blurred boundaries, and delayed responses from leadership. These are issues that many offshore professionals have faced but rarely talk about openly.
The story is real. The names and identifying details have been changed to protect the person who came forward. The message is clear: workplace safety is not just about hard hats and checklists. It is also about culture, leadership, and how we respond when something goes wrong.
What We Cover
- A firsthand account of escalating verbal misconduct over multiple hitches
- The emotional toll of being asked to remain quiet
- How unclear or delayed leadership responses can prolong harm
- The importance of early reporting and documentation
- The internal struggle of deciding whether to speak up
The episode also explores how difficult it can be to recognize when a line has been crossed, especially when harm comes in the form of repeated comments rather than a single, obvious incident. The individual in this story tried to handle things quietly, tried to avoid conflict, and tried to trust the system. But ultimately, it became clear that silence was not a solution.
Why This Matters
This story is not rare. It reflects the kind of slow, repeated harm that often goes unaddressed, not because no one cares, but because no one knows who should act.
Verbal and emotional misconduct can be harder to report, and even harder to respond to. People hesitate. Leaders assume someone else is handling it. And the result is silence when action is needed.
Leadership is not just a title. It is a responsibility. Delays, vague responses, or inaction can leave people feeling unsafe and unsupported.
This episode is a reminder that how we respond matters. The smallest action, listening, documenting, following up, can make all the difference.
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Every donation—big or small—helps us amplify voices, create meaningful change, and support the maritime industry.
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