STOWAWAY SEARCHES

A stowaway discovered after departure can expose a vessel operator to significant delay, diversion, repatriation costs, fines and operational disruption. Drawing on extensive experience supporting vessels in African ports, Castor Vali provides systematic stowaway searches designed to detect unauthorised persons before sailing, when the situation is safer, simpler and considerably less costly to resolve.

Our searches support vessel security arrangements under the IMO FAL Convention and are conducted in line with applicable ISPS and ISM Code procedures

Why Castor Vali for Stowaway Searches?

Prevention before departure: Systematic searches help identify stowaways before sailing, reducing the risk of voyage disruption, deviation, detention, fines and repatriation costs.
Experienced African capability: Our teams understand the access risks, local procedures and common concealment methods associated with ports and anchorages across Africa.
Standards-aligned searches: Searches support the vessel’s Ship Security Plan and applicable IMO FAL Convention, ISPS Code and ISM Code requirements.
Specialist search capability: Experienced search personnel, supported by trained detection dogs where appropriate, inspect likely access points and concealment areas according to the vessel type and operation.
Safe and compliant response: If an unauthorised person is identified, we coordinate their safe handover to the relevant immigration, port or maritime authorities.

Our Approach

Consultation: We discuss the vessel, port call, operating environment and identified stowaway risks.
Planning: We develop a vessel-specific search plan, prioritising access points and likely concealment areas.
Prevention: We advise on access control, gangway security, patrols and precautions while alongside or at anchor.
Delivery: Our team conducts and documents a systematic search, using specialist detection dogs where appropriate.
Response: If a person is found, we support safe containment, reporting and handover to the appropriate local authorities.
Assurance: We provide search records, security tags and certification to evidence the measures undertaken.