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Slide 1 · 01
01
PREVENTING &
MANAGING
STOWAWAYS
ONBOARD
Best Practices for Seafarers
IMO MSC.448(99)
ISPS CODE
FAL CONVENTION
PREVENT
Strengthen security
before boarding.
RESPOND
Act safely and
responsibly if a
stowaway is found.
REPORT
Notify authorities
and follow legal
requirements.
Vigilance, teamwork and effective security
measures keep our ships safe.
Slide 2 · 02
02
PREVENT BEFORE BOARDING
Precautions Prior to Entry into a Known Stowaway Port
1
Crew Security Briefing
Conduct a pre-arrival meeting. Assign search areas and roles to Deck & Engine departments.
2
Secure the Ship
Lock all restricted spaces except the crew gangway entrance. Keep keys available for emergency escape as per safety regulations.
3
Secure Cargo Holds
Open only holds in operation and only for the immediate loading period. Lock holds immediately after cargo work ceases.
4
Hawse Pipe Protection
Fit plates over anchor hawse pipes to prevent boarding via anchor chain at anchor or alongside.
5
Dedicated Gangway Watch
Check ID of every person boarding. Allow only authorised personnel. Raise the gangway when not in use.
6
Shore Watchmen
If 24-hour gangway watch is not practical, employ shore watchmen through your agent and P&I correspondent.
7
Adequate Lighting
Ensure deck and overside areas are well lit at night. Regularly check mooring ropes and anchor cables.
8
Container Cargo Precautions
Where available, request approved screening methods such as detector dogs or human-occupancy detection systems in accordance with port procedures.
9
Follow Ship Security Plan (SSP)
Ensure the SSP is up to date and stowaway risk assessment & protective measures are implemented.
10
Stay Alert & Vigilant
Report suspicious activity immediately. Every crew member plays a role in keeping the ship secure.
Strong prevention measures, together with a vigilant crew, are the best defence against stowaways.
REFERENCE:
IMO Resolution MSC.448(99) | ISPS Code | FAL Convention
Slide 3 · 03
03
IF A STOWAWAY IS
FOUND AT SEA
Immediate Action & Responsibilities
1
Discover
• Do not confront alone.
Ensure two crew members are present.
2
Inform the Master
• Report immediately.
• Follow the Master's instructions.
3
Assess the Situation
• Evaluate any security risk.
• Maintain a safe distance if the stowaway is aggressive.
4
Secure & Supervise
• Accommodate the stowaway in a secure area appropriate to the assessed risk.
• Ensure continuous supervision.
5
Provide Basic Needs
• Provide food, water and medical care as required. Treat humanely.
6
Collect Identity Information
• Obtain personal details and any available documents.
• Collect photographs and identifying information as permitted by law.
7
Notify Authorities & P&I Club
• Inform the next port authorities.
• Notify the port of boarding (if known).
• Contact the P&I Club correspondent.
8
Record in Official Logbook
• Record time, date, location, circumstances, actions taken and notifications made.
• Maintain all records and communications.
Treat every stowaway safely, humanely and in accordance with international guidance.
IMPORTANT REMINDER
Never use unnecessary or excessive force.
Maintain humane treatment while ensuring ship security.
Slide 4 · 04
04
REPORTING & KEY TAKEAWAYS
Follow procedures. Protect lives. Stay compliant.
REQUIRED REPORTING
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Next Port Authorities
Report the presence of the stowaway to the competent authorities of the next port of call.
Flag State / Company
Inform the flag State and your company as per the Ship Security Plan (SSP) requirements.
P&I Correspondent
Contact the P&I Club correspondent for guidance on documentation and repatriation arrangements.
Official Logbook
Make a detailed entry in the official logbook including time, date, location, circumstances and actions.
Maintain Documentation
Keep all records, statements and communications for audit and legal compliance.
Notify the competent authorities of each subsequent port of call in accordance with IMO FAL reporting procedures, flag State and company requirements.
Prevention is better than repatriation.
Strong preventive measures save time, cost and risk.
Never conceal a stowaway.
Concealment can lead to severe penalties and legal consequences.
Maintain humane treatment.
Treat every stowaway safely, respectfully and in accordance with international guidance.
Follow SSP procedures.
Your Ship Security Plan is your guide for every security situation.
Cooperate with authorities.
Timely reporting and cooperation ensure smooth resolution.
REFERENCES
IMO Resolution MSC.448(99)
(Revised Guidelines on the Prevention of Access by Stowaways and Allocation of Responsibilities)
FAL Convention – Section 4 (Stowaways)
ISPS Code
UK MCA MGN 70(M) Amendment 1
(Guidelines on Responsibilities & Resolution of Stowaways)
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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