Published: September 2024 digital, November 2024 hardcopy
The primary aim of this book is to advise seafarers in general, and the officers and crew of merchant ships in particular, how best to deal with people encountered at sea as stowaways, migrants (including refugees) and the victims of trafficking. In each case, details of the Master?s responsibilities and the required procedures are set out, along with preventative measures, appropriate preparation and the recommended response in stowaway and rescue at sea situations. Practical guidance is provided, focused on saving lives at sea and maintaining ship security and the safety of all on board.
Current trends and regions of higher risk are identified, with reference to the latest industry guidance and regulatory framework.
Although stowaways, trafficked individuals, refugees and other migrants may fall into distinct categories requiring different treatment, once on board a ship they are all essentially unauthorised people who present some common security risks, as well as specific challenges and responsibilities. These aspects are covered in the book, as well as noting circumstances in which the categories overlap.
The characteristics of the different groups are examined with reference to regional trends and current statistics. Case studies for stowaways and migrants from around the world are included. Detailed guidance is provided on the Master?s responsibilities and appropriate responses for seafarers at all stages in handling the different scenarios, including the duty to assist those in distress at sea and preventative measures against stowaway activity. The role of merchant shipping in migrant rescue, alongside the authorities and other organisations involved, is fully discussed, particularly in the context of the Mediterranean region. Migrant activity in the English Channel is also covered, with procedural guidance provided.
The planning and preparation required to deal effectively with stowaways and large scale rescue at sea is outlined, including reference to ship security plans, security roles and the necessary crew training.
Key points are summarised throughout the text and wherever possible graphic illustration used to convey information in a more interesting and easily accessible manner.
Annexes provide relevant extracts and summaries of the legal framework, regulations and guidance, along with useful checklists and forms.
Table of Contents
Overview of Sections
1.1 Irregular Movement of People at Sea
1.2 Stowaways
1.3 Group Migration, Including Refugees
1.4 Human Trafficking at Sea
1.5 The Regulatory Framework
Section 2 - Stowaways
2.1 Stowaway Characteristics
2.1.1 Definitions
2.1.2 Statistics and Trends
2.1.3 Becoming a Stowaway
2.1.4 Stowaway Origins
2.1.5 Areas of Higher Risk
2.2 Security Plans, Procedures and Roles
2.2.1 Ship Security Plans (SSP) and Procedures
2.2.2 Port Facility Security Procedures
2.2.3 Designated Security Roles
2.2.4 Ship Security Training
2.3 Preventing Access
2.3.1 Selection of Ships by Stowaways
2.3.2 Identifying Access Points
2.3.3 Ship Security Measures - Controlling Access
2.3.4 Ship Security Measures - External Checks
2.3.5 Port Facility Protection Measures
2.4 Ship Searches
2.4.1 Different Types of Search
2.4.2 Planning and Carrying Out a Full Search
2.4.3 Area and Cargo Searches
2.4.4 Stowaway Hiding Places on Specific Ship Types
2.5 Managing Stowaways
2.5.1 Searching a Stowaway
2.5.2 Methods for Physically Searching and Safely Moving Stowaways and Other Unauthorised People
2.5.3 Reporting Responsibilities - Questioning Stowaways and Gathering Evidence
2.5.4 Dealing with Violence or Aggression
2.5.5 The Correct Treatment of Stowaways
2.6 Disembarking Stowaways
2.6.1 Stowaways Seeking Asylum as Refugees
2.6.2 Diversion from Route to Disembark Stowaways
2.7 Costs Associated with Stowaways
2.7.1 Responsibility for Paying Stowaway Costs
2.8 Case Studies
2.8.1 'Ken Wave'
2.8.2 'Chise Bulker'
2.8.3 'Nave Andromeda'
2.8.4 'Champion Pula'
Section 3 - Migrants, Refugees and Human Trafficking at Sea
3.1 Migration and Refugees - a Global Phenomenon
3.1.1 Migrant Smugglers and their Operation
3.2 Common Migration Routes by Sea
3.2.1 The Mediterranean Sea (Africa/Türkiye/Middle East to Europe)
3.2.2 The English Channel (France/Belgium to the UK)
3.2.3 Asia to Australia (and its Territories)
3.2.4 Bangladesh and Myanmar to Indonesia and Malaysia (Rohingya)
3.2.5 Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean to the USA
3.2.6 Other Migrant Routes
3.3 Human Trafficking at Sea
3.3.1 The Victims and the Traffickers
3.3.2 Types of Exploitation
3.3.3 Action Against Human Trafficking
3.4 The Merchant Shipping Response
3.4.1 Encountering Migrants at Sea
3.4.2 Reporting and Rescue of English Channel Migrants: Recommended Approach for Seafarers
3.4.3 Responding to Human Trafficking at Sea
3.4.4 Current Issues and New Developments
3.4.5 Disembarkation Difficulties
3.5 Case Studies
3.5.1 'Calajunco M'
3.5.2 Migrant Vessel Capsize off Pylos, Greece
3.5.3 'BSG Bahamas? and ?Berlin Express'
3.5.4 'Svanic'
3.5.5 'Maersk Etienne'
3.5.6 'Maersk Prosper'
Section 4 - Rescue at Sea
4.1 Rescue Roles and Responsibilities
4.1.1 The Master?s Responsibilities
4.1.2 Rescue Coordination Centres (RCCs)
4.1.3 Rescue Organisations
4.2 Planning and Preparation for Rescue
4.2.1 Search and Rescue Planning
4.2.2 Plans and Procedures for Recovery of Persons from the Water
4.2.3 Preparation On Board Ship for Rescue Operations
4.3 Rescue Guidance and Training
4.3.1 Rescue Guidance
4.3.2 Search and Rescue Training
4.3.3 Search and Rescue Drills and Exercises
4.4 Common Risks of Unauthorised People on Board
4.4.1 Security of the Ship
4.4.2 Poor Hygiene and Infection Risk
4.4.3 Requirement for Emergency Medical Attention
4.4.4 Risk of Violence - Safety of Crew
4.4.5 Possible Delays and/or Deviation from Planned Route
Annexes
Annex A - Forms and Checklists
Annex B - Legal Instruments, Regulations and Guidance
Summary Table of Main Responsibilities Under Selected Regulatory Measures Relevant to Stowaways, Refugees and Trafficked People at Sea
Annex C - Selected European Union Operations Concerned with Irregular Migration Across the Mediterranean Sea
Annex D - References and Further Reading
