Stowaways boarding vessels in South African ports have increased significantly over the last two months. The South African Authorities have made it abundantly clear and they will not change their attitude and therefore the ship must combat unlawful individuals boarding the ship.

The current ruling in South Africa is as follows:

“Should any unlawful person gain access onto a ship in a South African port, the person will automatically be deemed to be a stowaway unless the vessel can provide photographic, video or 3rd party evidence (terminal security) that the stowaway attempted to board the vessel in Durban.”

The ship owner will be liable for the full costs of repatriating the stowaway. It is essential therefore that the stowaway does not gain access to the ship in any way.

Read more in the pdf below, provided by our correspondent in Durban, South Africa.

Stowaway Advice.pdf

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