3.15.1 ACTIONS TO BE TAKEN
The discovered stowaway should be placed in a locked cabin. The stowaway
should not be allowed to roam freely about the vessel
if more than one stowaway is found, they should – if possible
be accommodated separately
the place where the stowaway was found should be searched for further
stowaways and any documents left behind
the place the stowaway was found should be photographed or video taken
the place the stowaway was found must be thoroughly searched for drugs,
as stowaways can be used as drug couriers. If drugs are found, the place should
be left untouched and sealed off. Photographs and/or video should be taken of
the location where the drugs were found
the stowaway should be searched for identity papers. These documents,
if found, must be confiscated as stowaways often try to hide their identity
or destroy their identity papers
the stowaway should be thoroughly searched for drugs. If drugs are found
on the stowaway, take photographs and/or video and make a note of the circumstances
in which the drugs were found
the stowaway should be questioned in detail as to when and where the
boarding took place
for interrogation purposes a detailed Stowaway Questionnaire can be
found in Annex 8
if there is more than one stowaway they should be questioned individually
as to
– whether they knew each other prior to boarding
– how they came on board
the stowaway should be questioned as to why he/she has stowed away and
the circumstances under which his voluntary return may be possible
if the stowaway agrees to return voluntarily it should be made clear
that unless he/she co-operates repatriation may be impossible
the person questioning the stowaway, preferably the Master, should explain
that if economical reasons are behind stowing away, no other country will accept
them and repatriation will be inevitable
immediately notify the Company and the P&I insurer enabling the
CSO to inform the appropriate authorities at the next port of call, such as
the PSSO – for reporting please refer to Annex 8, Stowaway Questionnaire
notify the correspondent and the vessel’s agents in the next port
of call or the port of embarkation, so that they can prepare for identification
and repatriation of the stowaway. Generally, repatriation cannot be carried
out if advance notice of the stowaway has not been provided
if it is impossible to communicate with the stowaway, an interpreter
should be engaged ashore in order to gain an initial impression and obtain some
basic information about the stowaway
the stowaway should be treated humanely and not threatened with or exposed
to any violence whatsoever as this will incur severe criminal penalties. There
is no P&I cover for the defence of any person acting with violence
video evidence of the treatment of the stowaway should be taken during
the course of the voyage.