Green Award

© Mariusz Bugno/Shutterstock, 2025.

25 June 2025 – This year, the IMO marks the Day of the Seafarer with the theme #MyHarassmentFreeShip, spotlighting the need for safety through respect and inclusion on board vessels. At the Green Award Foundation, we echo this call by highlighting real stories from the frontline and reinforcing how our certification programme supports safer, more respectful working environments at sea.

A Captain’s Perspective: “Assistance, Not Resistance”

This year, we feature Captain Armeen Saroukanoff, who leads the crew aboard the Gioconda, a Green Award-certified vessel operated by GEFO.

“On every ship I sail, we strive to create a culture where ‘assistance, not resistance’ shapes every interaction.”

Captain Saroukanoff leads with a “we” mentality. His approach includes active listening, encouraging confidential reporting, and building trust across a diverse crew. He also advocates for the presence of women seafarers, challenging stereotypes and promoting equal opportunity.

This commitment extends beyond delivering results. It means confronting harassment and bullying as major issues that must be addressed. In doing so, we ensure that respect and dignity are the true north of our voyage.

Capt. Armeen Saroukanoff receiving the Green Award plaque from Green Award surveyor Hamed Bashiri. © Green Award Foundation/GEFO

This leadership philosophy has a practical and cultural impact on board:

“Leading with a WE mentality strengthens the harmony between the various cultures and genders of our multinational and diverse crew, transforming it into unity where every member feels respected, supported, and motivated to contribute to our common goals, achieving safety and operational excellence, #WeAreGEFO!”

His story is a reminder that respectful leadership is not just a value, but a daily practice that shapes safety and unity at sea.

How Green Award promotes safety and respect

At Green Award, we take a broad view of safety. That includes physical, emotional, and social wellbeing. Our certification programme includes key checks related to anti-harassment, crew welfare, and inclusive practices.

On board:

• We assess crew awareness of human factors, including conflict management and interpersonal behavior.
• We verify whether systems for confidential reporting and fair treatment are in place.
• We take note of gender diversity and inclusion practices, including support for women on board.

At office level:

• Our audits evaluate how shore offices manage reporting culture, prevention policies, and psychological support.
• We expect management teams to foster respectful and inclusive working environments for all seafarers.

These elements are essential to maintaining a workplace culture built on dignity and safety.

Standing Together for a Harassment-Free Maritime Industry

The Day of the Seafarer is a time to reflect, but also to act. At Green Award, we will continue to promote a culture of zero tolerance for harassment, support inclusive leadership, and recognize those who lead by example, like Captain Saroukanoff.

Let’s work together to make #MyHarassmentFreeShip more than a hashtag. Let’s make it the standard!