West Coast Groundfish Observer Program Manual, Part2 - NOAA

CHAPTER 8 CHAPTER 8
you have a right to perform your job in an environment free
from this type of interference.
Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment is unwelcome behavior of a sexual
nature. Privacy is greatly reduced onboard a vessel, and
interactions can become intense very quickly. Sexual
harassment may include sexist remarks or behavior, or
sexual advances which result in a tense and unproductive
work environment. Examples of sexual harassment might
include: suggestive sounds or gestures, sexual remarks
about clothing, body or sexual orientation, leering or
ogling, persistent sexual comments and jokes, or constant
brushing against or touching a person’s body. Sexual
harassment is unwanted attention in a nonreciprocal
relationship (relationships with vessel and plant personnel
are prohibited under Observer standards of conduct). In
most normal interpersonal relationships, an individual can
exercise free choice in deciding to develop a relationship
based on mutual caring and respect. These elements are
absent in sexual harassment. Sexual assaults have occurred
on fishing vessels at sea. If you feel harassed, report it
before the problem escalates.
What to Do if Observers Experience Harassment
If you experience harassment in any form, confront it
directly and document it completely. By reporting
harassment, it protects future Observers as well as yourself.
Please report any cases of harassment to the Observer
Program or NOAA Fisheries Enforcement as soon as
possible. The agency is unable to help with problems if
they are unaware of them.
Follow these steps:
1. Say no. Tell the harasser that his/her
comments, actions or advances are unwanted
and that they should stop. Remember that you
are the judge of whether another person’s
actions negatively affect you.
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