Stowaways have occasionally posed as stevedores. The. gangway watchman should therefore endeavour to verify the authorization of each stevedore or visitor to the vessel. In ports where stevedores carry no such authorization, a simple head count both boarding and leaving the ship will be sufficient.

At night the decks should be well lit, and overside lights placed to illuminate the adjacent quay.

Stowaway Search

Shortly before departure, a comprehensive stowaway search should be carried out, and as many men as can be spared should participate. Checks should routinely include holds, lifeboats, funnel casing, hawse pipes, the inspection of padlocks, and thorough examination of all spaces where free access may have been possible. Torches should be carried to inspect dark or shadowed areas. It must be remembered that some stowaways are prepared to go to extraordinary lengths to reach their destination.

PIRACY

Preventive Measures

Vessels berthed in high risk ports should endeavour to illuminate both the decks and the quay with all available lighting, and gangways, accommodation ladders and ramps should be raised or closed at nights. Access doors, holds and storerooms should naturally be kept locked when not in use, and decks should be regularly patrolled to demonstrate to observers that the vessel is alert and vigilant.