6. Attempted / discovered smuggled goods
This section includes drugs, suspected drugs and contraband illegally smuggled on board.
All drugs are extremely dangerous and some can even be absorbed through the skin. Hence, the following points must be strictly observed when a substance suspected to be drugs, is discovered:
|
Immediate action |
Responsibility |
|
Handle the contraband as little as possible to avoid tampering with any fingerprint evidence that may be available on the parcel
|
Person discovering the contraband /SSO / Master |
|
Person discovering the contraband /SSO / Master |
|
Remove contraband to a safe place that can be locked. Guard the space, if necessary.
|
SSO |
|
Record the discovery in the Official Log Book giving full details of the date, time, location, approximate quantity, name of person detecting, names of witnesses etc.
|
Master |
|
Secure any wrapping material located near point of discovery. Mark the location of the contraband and do not disturb the items in the area.
|
SSO |
|
Consider searching other spaces of similar nature. |
SSO |
|
Report the discovery to the company and appropriate authorities at next port of call BEFORE entering the territorial waters of that country.
|
Master |
|
Do not allow anyone to leave the vessel until interviewed by appropriate authority. |
SSO |
7. Stowaways
Stowaways may stow away for a variety of reasons ranging from economic, to avoidance of persecution, to entering another country with the aim of creating harm.
Prevention is the best method of avoiding a stow-away problem and a thorough search of the ship, accommodation and engine room, stores and all possible hiding places, including spaces such as rudder trunks must be carried out, especially prior departure from ports where the stow-away menace is prevalent. Other measures such as gangway control and exhorting stevedores to exercise headcount control can be used as well. Keeping all spaces that can be safely locked in such state and regular checks of locks is also a preventative measure.
However if a stowaway is discovered at sea, the following shall be done:
|
Immediate action |
Responsibility |
|
Ascertain his (their) identity by questioning. If no documents are found, question the stowaways to discover their full name, date and place of birth, home address, name of both parents and family members and any other information that may help in identifying their nationality.
|
Master / SSO |
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Search the areas where he (they) may have concealed identity documents, and also for any objects he (they) may have brought with him (them)
|
SSO |
|
Report the presence of stowaway and any harmful objects brought by him, to the authorities at the next port, CSO and the Administration.
|
Master |
|
Stowaway to be housed in cabin / space capable of being secured when he is inside and his movements monitored when he is outside this space
|
SSO |
|
As long as the stowaway remains on board, treatment meted to him should maintain human dignity
|
All crew |
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Closely guard the stowaways when the vessel is in port to prevent them from escaping.
|
SSO |
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Every effort should be made to remove the stowaway by legal means at the next port of call.
|
Master |