Stowaways

09.04.08

There have been a number of reports recently in the trade press on the problem of stowaways. They are an inescapable fact of life for the shipping industry and as reported in one article “never going to go away”. In those parts of the world with ports and nations with refugee problems or large numbers of disaffected poor and impoverished, the stowaways are desperate to escape and will use desperate methods to get themselves on board.

UK P&I Club has reported costs of more than USD 2 million alone, with an average cost of dealing with each case rising from some USD 6,000 to USD 14,500 in 2007. The hotspots remain South Africa and West Africa (Ivory Coast, Senegal in particular) with East Africa becoming a growing problem. Others are China, the US and Argentina. Of member interest is the type of ships being targeted by stowaways.

The most popular and attractive target is the general cargo type - they tend to be alongside longest. Equally, bulk grain carriers unloading have similar problems. Box ships and VLCC are less popular but targeted because they are known to passage great distances and provide the stowaway with more opportunities. Box line Masters should be advised of the increasing trend to smuggle illegal immigrants in empty boxes and of course the potential deaths involved. A current favourite is open top containers where the canvas tie downs have not been secured adequately.

The BIMCO ShipMaster’s Security Manual has sound advice on preventative measures and recommends searching of vessels prior to sailing particularly in known stowaway hot spots. BIMCO is currently preparing a ‘Pocket Brief ’for Members. After taking all appropriate steps to prevent stowaways gaining access in the first place, the immediate steps to be taken should a stowaway be discovered are:

* INFORM - the appropriate persons as per your Company Operating Procedures (e.g. Designated Person Ashore; P&I Club; Flag State etc.)
* GET HELP - follow all Guidance from the P&I Club
* INVESTIGATE - the circumstances of the stowaway.
* SAFETY - ensure the safety of the stowaway, follow the required humanitarian steps but also be aware of P&I Advice not to overly befriend the stowaway.

Members are reminded that the reporting of stowaways to the trial IMO Stowaway Focal Point will help identify hot spots and allow up to date feed back. Although it is often not a first priority, IMO requires statistical information about stowaways. It is believed that your Flag State is normally responsible for providing this – a point which should be clarified as and when time permits. If your procedures allow you to advise the IMO direct, please send a report to Mr. Graham Mapplebeck, falsec@imo.org (Tel. +44 207 587 3110) stating “Stowaway Statistical Return” in the subject line.

Many authorities want the same pieces of information about the stowaway. Masters are urged to try and get as much information on the stowaway as possible. Information that should be collected as per the IMO Resolution A.871 (20) dated 27 November 1997 can be found in the BIMCO ShipMaster’s Security Manual.

Source: BIMCO