Recommended practices in case of stowaways.

Stowaways are one of the challenging issues faced by shipping companies. Regardless of the efforts to eliminate this from happening, stowaway incidents are still prevalent.

Moreover, the presence of stowaways on ships can lead to many legal issues, which may result in significant losses for the shipping company. In this article, we examine some of the best practices for handling stowaways in ships from a lawyer's viewpoint.

The first step for a shipping company upon the discovery of a stowaway is to inform the relevant authorities. Notification should be made to the port authorities and the nearest embassy of the stowaway's nation. This is crucial because it secures the safety and well-being of the stowaway as well as provides a mechanism for later deportation.

Furthermore, making such a report may be necessary for possible insurance claims and will assist in avoiding possible penalties or legal action from the stowaway's nation.

Secondly, the shipping company should ensure that the stowaway is properly cared for while they are on board until delivery.

Regular monitoring of the stowaway's condition and wellbeing is essential. The stowaway should be given access to water, food, and medical assistance as stated within International Labour Organization guidelines.

Failure to meet these guidelines can result in legal action being taken against the shipping company. Thirdly, the documents of the stowaway must be checked as soon as possible to identify any form of fake or altered documents used by the stowaway.

If the immigration documentation is determined to be inappropriate, then the shipping company may choose to discharge the stowaway into the custody of relevant authorities. Keeping the stowaway aboard could result in fines and penalties arising from non-compliance with immigration regulations.

Lastly, the shipping company should conduct an investigation into the stowaway incident to identify how the stowaway gained access to the vessel. This investigation will enable shipping companies to identify the weak points in their security protocol and enhance the measures that they have in place. This process will also aid in preventing future stowaway incidents.

In conclusion, it is crucial for shipping companies to take the necessary precautions and protocols for handling stowaway incidents to avoid potential legal issues.

Effective communication with relevant authorities, proper care and attention, examination of stowaway documents, and sufficient investigation performed after incidents will improve the approach to such situations. By following these best practices, shipping companies should be less vulnerable in the face of stowaway incidents.

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