The Field issue 3: Update and practical advice In February this year our correspondents in South Africa, P&I associates (PTY) Ltd, in association with the Skuld loss prevention and recurring claims group issued advice in relation to the increased incidence of stowaways in South African ports. Since then, we have continued to see an increase in stowaway cases, especially on offshore support vessels (OSVs). This is somewhat unusual as the nature of most OSVs tend to operate in and out of the same port, rather than traditional 'bluewater' vessels where the work is more transient. However, it may be that OSVs are regarded as "easier targets" than bluewater vessels due to their typically low freeboard. As set out in the circular, the South African immigration authorities have issued a notice advising that if an illegal person is found on board a vessel, they will be classed as a stowaway rather than a trespasser if there is no definitive evidence to the contrary. The onus therefore rests on owners to prove with tangible evidence that the person boarded the vessel in South Africa. From experience, the immigration authorities do not consider statements from stowaways as credible and are equally unlikely to accept the crew's word. It is therefore essential that strict controls are in place in relation to parties who are granted access to the vessel (see earlier advice) to control potential exposure, while consideration is given in relation to steps to be taken to protect members' interests in relation to those who board by other means. Dealing with each in turn: Those granted access Any visitor to a vessel must produce a Transnet National Ports authority (TNPA) permit If there are insufficient ISPS passes for stevedores, the crew should record visitors' ID numbers in a book, with each person being signed on and off the vessel Some stevedore companies use temporary labourers who will not have TNPA passes. If this is the case, each labourer must be required to produce the