B SAFE Stowaways STOWAWAYS: SOUTH AFRICA Published: 12 November 2020 Due to its strict regulations, there may be even more severe consequences for the ship in cases involving stowaways embarking in South Africa. This article provides guidance on additional precautions to be taken when in South African waters. The numbers of stowaways trying to board ships at South Africa ports in recent years has been on the increase. Our South African correspondent P&I ASSOCIATES (PTY) LTD in Durban sets out the current regulations on stowaways in South Africa: 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 ship can provide photographic, video or 3rd party evidence (terminal security) that the stowaway attempted to board the ship in Durban. Basically, it is the ship’s responsibility to ensure that nobody enters the ship illegally and the ship owner may be liable for the full costs of repatriating the stowaway. It is essential, therefore, that no stowaways gain access onto the ship in any way. Ways in which stowaways gain access: Late at night or early hours of the morning Wearing clothing similar to stevedore gangs such as hard hats and reflective jackets Wearing dark colours not easily seen at night Accessing the ship by climbing up berthing ropes, gangways and then hiding in empty containers and between the cargo on log carriers Taking the opportunity to blend in when there are numerous personnel working on the ship Bribing terminal security to gain access to the ship CREW TOOK PICTURES OF THE STOWAWAY ATTEMPTING TO BOARD THE SHIP UP THE MOORING LINES P&I ASSOCIATES (PTY) LTD recommend the following precautionary measures: The owner should try and employ three private security guards to patrol the quayside. One security guard should be positioned on the forward mooring lines and one on the stern lines. The other security guard should be posted at the bottom of the gangway. He