2.9.3.4 MEASURES PRIOR TO AND UPON DEPARTURE
Prior to departure
a proper, systematic and extensive search of all parts of the vessel
should be carried out to discover any stowaway who may be on board. Due to the
different sizes and shapes of vessels, an exhaustive search list cannot be produced
here. Any search conducted must be carried out in accordance with the vessel’s
own search list
where available, shorebased search parties with dogs should be engaged
announcements to be displayed at the vessel’s access points stating
that holds will be treated with gas prior to departure. The impression of injecting
gas into the holds may be given by injecting pressurised air
the vessel’s next port of call should not be displayed, unless
it is unattractive for a stowaway.
After departure, it is advisable to stop the vessel while still within port
limits to carry out a second systematic and extensive search of all parts of
the vessel including the stores and – if possible and accessible –
the cargo holds. It may be easier to land stowaways found before the vessel
has left territorial waters.
All the measures taken should be properly recorded in the vessel’s log
to evidence to the immigration authorities that all proper precautions were
taken.
If stowaways are discovered upon departure, please refer to section 3.15 Stowaways