All persons affected by alleged serious crimes deserve full
consideration of the allegations and should receive pastoral and medical
care, as appropriate.
In cases of allegations of a serious crime, especially sexual
assaults and serious physical attacks, the persons affected should
receive respect for coming forward, recognition that the allegation
will be reported and given support during this time of trauma. They
should be given every opportunity to explain what happened, give a
full account of the incident, and be reassured that every effort will
be made to protect them from any further harm while they remain on
board the vessel. The persons affected should also be free from any
burden of decision-making relating to the alleged perpetrator.
In cases in which the master is aware that a person has
attempted suicide or threatened to commit suicide, the master should
attempt to protect this person to the extent practicable. This person
should be treated with care and respect. In such cases, the master
should seek guidance on how to proceed, either from qualified medical
persons if on board, or from radio medical advice or from other medical
advice that may be available through the flag State or other authorities.
If it is determined that a person believed to be at risk of suicide
should be disembarked from the ship, the master should coordinate
such action with the flag State, coastal State and/or port State,
as appropriate. If the circumstances indicate that the suicide or
threat of suicide is related to a serious crime on board, the master
should refer to applicable provisions in these Guidelines.
The persons mentioned in this section should have access
to medical care and attention by a medical professional, either on
board or ashore, as necessary. The privacy of the person affected
should be respected during this process. Where relevant, radio medical
advice should be sought.