The slides, written out
AI-drawn illustration. Simplified to explain the idea, not to scale.
Slide 1 · UNEXPECTED ON BOARD
UNEXPECTED ON BOARD.
BIG CHALLENGE ASHORE.
STOWAWAY
CASES
THE MASTER'S GUIDE TO SAFE,
LEGAL & SUCCESSFUL RESOLUTION
THE RULES BEHIND
SUCCESSFUL RESOLUTION
IDENTIFY. NOTIFY. RESOLVE.
Know your responsibilities,
follow the rules and
coordinate the resolution.
HUMANE. SECURE. SAFE.
Ensure the welfare,
security and safety of
everyone on board.
COORDINATE. COMPLY. SUCCEED.
Cooperate with authorities,
follow FAL Convention
standards and resolve it right.
EVERY STOWAWAY CASE IS A TEST OF LEADERSHIP.
Your decisions protect the ship, the crew
and the success of the voyage.
Slide 2 · STOWAWAY CASES
STOWAWAY CASES
WHEN A STOWAWAY IS FOUND
THE REAL CHALLENGE STARTS AFTER DISCOVERY
OPERATIONAL DIFFICULTIES
Disembarkation may be difficult
Immigration and admissibility are governed by the applicable national legislation and port authorities.
Documentation may be missing
Identity, nationality and port of embarkation may need to be established before return arrangements can proceed.
The ship may face delays and costs
Repatriation can be complex and may involve the Master, shipowner, agents, authorities and P&I representatives.
Care and security remain essential
The stowaway must be kept secure while ensuring humane treatment, adequate food, accommodation, medical attention and sanitary facilities.
Do not allow normal work on board
Stowaways should not be permitted to work except in an emergency or in relation to their accommodation and provisioning.
KEY MESSAGE
Resolve the case without compromising the safety, security and welfare of anyone on board.
Slide 3 · THE IMO FRAMEWORK
THE IMO FRAMEWORK
WHAT RULES GUIDE THE MASTER?
STOWAWAYS ARE COVERED UNDER THE FAL CONVENTION – SECTION 4
The FAL Convention contains specific Standards and Recommended Practices for stowaways.
MASTER'S KEY ACTIONS
1
ESTABLISH IDENTITY
Take practicable steps to establish the identity, nationality / citizenship of the stowaway and the port of embarkation.
2
NOTIFY AUTHORITIES
Notify the public authorities of the first planned port of call and provide relevant information to the shipowner, port of embarkation authorities and Flag State. Notify subsequent ports if necessary.
(FAL Standard 4.6.1)
3
PROVIDE PROPER CARE
Maintain the security, general health, welfare and safety of the stowaway while on board.
(FAL Standard 4.4)
4
HANDLE ASYLUM DECLARATIONS CAREFULLY
Where a stowaway declares themselves a refugee or asylum seeker, the information must be treated confidentially as required.
(FAL Standard 4.6.3)
5
REPORT TO IMO
Report the incident to the IMO Secretary-General through the public authorities.
(FAL Standard 4.7.1)
2026 UPDATE
At FAL 50 (March 2026), IMO adopted Resolution FAL.20(50) containing revised guidelines on the prevention of access by stowaways and the allocation of responsibilities to seek the successful resolution of stowaway cases.
Slide 4 · 3 OF 4 SLIDES
3 OF 4 SLIDES
STOWAWAY CASE = MULTI PARTY COORDINATION
WHO DOES WHAT?
SUCCESSFUL RESOLUTION REQUIRES COOPERATION
AMONG ALL RELEVANT STATES AND PARTIES.
MASTER / SHIPOWNER
Identify the stowaway, establish the port of embarkation, make required notifications, provide care and coordinate the response.
The Master has overall charge on board and initiates the resolution process in accordance with FAL Standards.
PORT OF FIRST PLANNED CALL
Authorities determine admissibility and arrangements for disembarkation in accordance with applicable national legislation and the FAL framework.
The first port plays a crucial role in facilitating the case resolution and disembarkation where practicable.
STATE OF EMBARKATION
When it is established that the stowaway boarded in its State, the authorities shall accept the stowaway for examination when returned from a point of disembarkation after being found inadmissible there.
This State plays a key role in facilitating examination and return arrangements.
STATE OF NATIONALITY / RIGHT OF RESIDENCE
Public authorities shall, in accordance with international law, accept return of stowaways with full nationality / citizenship or a qualifying right of residence.
They shall also assist in establishing identity and, where possible, issue emergency travel documents through diplomatic representation.
FLAG STATE
Shall assist and cooperate with the Master, shipowner and relevant authorities in identification, representations to facilitate removal and arrangements for removal / repatriation of the stowaway.
This includes necessary representations and approvals for removal and repatriation.
TRANSIT STATES
Transit States should facilitate transit for the purpose of repatriation, subject to normal visa requirements and national security concerns, when travelling under the relevant removal instructions / directions.
Facilitation applies when the stowaway is travelling under the removal instructions of the responsible public authorities.
IMPORTANT
There is no universal rule making the Flag State solely responsible for resolving every stowaway case.
The resolution depends on cooperation among the relevant States and parties in accordance with the FAL Convention.
Slide 5 · THE MASTER'S RESPONSE
THE MASTER'S RESPONSE
FROM DISCOVERY TO RESOLUTION
A PRACTICAL STEP BY STEP APPROACH
01
SECURE & PROTECT
Keep the stowaway under appropriate security and supervision. Provide food, accommodation, medical attention and sanitary facilities.
02
IDENTIFY
Establish available identity and nationality information and determine the port of embarkation.
03
DOCUMENT
Compile all relevant details including identity information, photograph, available documents, stowaway's statement and Master's statement / logbook record.
04
NOTIFY
Notify the first planned port of call and the other authorities specified in FAL Standard 4.6.1 (shipowner, port of embarkation authorities, Flag State). Notify subsequent ports if necessary.
05
COORDINATE REPATRIATION
Work with port authorities, agents, shipowner and P&I correspondents to arrange documentation, disembarkation and return or onward travel.
06
DO NOT DEVIATE CASUALLY
Deviation only under the circumstances listed in FAL Recommended Practice 4.8. Protect the voyage plan unless deviation is justified and authorized.
REMEMBER
Do not hide the stowaway.
Do not abandon the stowaway.
Do not offer payment or benefits beyond the minimum requirements.
Do not improvise the legal process.
Cooperate with the relevant States and authorities. The goal is a safe, lawful and timely resolution.
Drafted by SailR from our daily lessons. AI-drawn illustration. Simplified to explain the idea, not to scale. Last updated 19 Oct 2026.
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