Case study - 7. Stowaways

A 6,600 GT purpose built heavy lift ship carried a full project cargo from Northern Europe to a West African port.The cargo was to be utilized as part of an inland oil and gas drilling and exploration project. A return cargo was to be loaded at the same terminal consisting of damaged or otherwise discarded items of oil drilling equipment, some containerized, which was being returned to the European headquarters for repair or disposal.

       The ship had a Ship Security Plan in place. Gangway security was established but the gunwale of the ship was on the same level as the quayside such that people from ashore could step across the gap and didn’t use the gangway.The crew of nine, including master, used their best to control access but eventually conceded defeat.

On completionof loading the master solicited the help of the terminal managers and stevedore foremen to help him and the crew to conduct a thorough stowaway search. During a search which lasted two hours they found seven stowaways who were subsequently removed ashore. The ship sailed and after dropping the pilot the master dropped anchor and had the crew conduct a second stowaway search.

No more stowaways were found and the vessel commenced her voyage back to Northern Europe. However, one day later banging and shouting was heard from number two cargo hold and two young men / boys announced their presence. They did not have any identification documents on them and none was found subsequently. They did not speak a language which was understood by the master or any of the other officers and crew.The stowaways were uncooperative although they were not violent.

The master sought instructions from the ship operator and it was decided to continue towards the discharge port and try to repatriate the stowaways from Northern Europe.

On arrival at the discharge port the vessel was boarded by port State Control Inspectors who cited various alleged violations under the ISPS Code and delayed the entry of the ship for six days whilst they searched the ship and conducted a full scale security investigation.

Armed security guards were placed on board through discharge to stand guard over the stowaways until the ship sailed. The ship owners were presented with a bill for US$10,000 in respect of this 'security service'. The local immigration authorities refused to consider the possibility of repatriation through their country.

The true identity of the stowaways, and even confirmation of their nationality, could not be established and, consequently, no country visited by the ship would assist with attempts to repatriate them. The ship continued to face serious problems with alleged violations of security and ISPS Code wherever she went causing delays and consequential losses.

 

         1. Answer the questions.

1. What was the type of vessel the incident took place on?

2. What cargo was to be delivered to a West African point?

3. What cargo was to be carried in return?

4. What measures were taken to prevent the stowaways’ access on board the vessel?

5. What was done on completion of loading?

6. When and where were the stowaways discovered?

7. What decision did the master take concerning the stowaways?

8. What happened at the port of discharge?

9. What problems did the ship face afterwards?

 

2. Decide whether these statements are true (T) or false (F). Correct the wrong ones.

1. The cargo was to be repaired as part of an inland oil and gas drilling and exploration project._____________________

2. People from ashore could step across the gap only with the help of the gangway.__________

3. The crew succeeded with their Ship Security Plan._______

4. On completion of loading the master soughtfor the aid of the terminal managers._________

5. The stowaways were helpful but not aggressive_____________

6. It was decided to continue towards the discharge port and try to send the stowaways back home._______

7. The stowaways were successfully repatriated to their native country.________________

 

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