I Was on a Ship Where the 2nd Engineer Had the Nickname “The Rapist,” and Let Me Tell You, It Was for A Good Reason

This anonymous submission was originally posted as a public comment to the account submitted by Mishipman-X. MLAA does not know the author’s identity.

I was on a ship where the 2nd Engineer had the nickname “the Rapist,” and let me tell you that it was for a reason: 4 girls that I know of.

When I went to report him to the captain and chief engineer for harassing me, I was told that he was probably just joking around, or that it was just his nature as a person, and it was suggested that I wouldn't want it reported because it would cause me trouble.

Waking up to find him standing over my bed, and being told I couldn't lock my cabin door, made me too afraid to sleep at night. So much so that I would sleep in public areas like a smoke room so I would never be in an area alone with him. And never eating any plates of food left to the side for me because he threatened to “roofie” my food.

Every single female I've ever met in the industry has experienced Sexual Harassment or Sexual Assault. And when I tell fellow workers what had happened to me in the past, they say that “it would never happen on this ship,” that “they would stand up and fight for me,” etc.

But in reality, they just stand around and watch as us females are obviously uncomfortable. I really hope this gets talked about more, and that we see a change to the culture in the maritime industry.