STOWAWAYS 21 September 2000 No.00-010 In recent months there has been a dramatic increase in the number of stowaway incidents involving the use of containers, culminating recently in the discovery of 58 dead stowaways in a container at the port of Dover. Several Clubs within the international Group have dealt with cases involving Chinese stowaways being placed on board container ships in sealed containers at the port of Hong Kong, destined for North American ports. This recent development has attracted the attention of the United States Coastguard, Immigration Authorities and Federal Bureau of Investigation, all of whom are putting considerable pressure on carriers to demonstrate that they are dealing with the ploblem. In view of this increased activity, the following guidelines are recommended for all container operators. Prior to Terminal Carriers are recommended to make further enquiries and take extra precautions at the time shipments are booked. Particular attention should be paid to the following: 1   Trade pattems which have been the subject of past problems. 2   Previously unknown shippers; company searches may be appropriate. 3   New trading areas. 4   Requests for empty containers to be delivered to insecure areas. 5   Loaded containers collected from insecure areas. 6   Open-topped containers, which should be inspected prior to acceptance. 7   Lightweight shipments. 8   Shipments in reefer containers set at relatively high temperatures. At Terminal (prior to loading) 1  In appropriate areas co-operation should be sought from local lmmigration Authorities; their experience may be an essential asset. 2  Carriers should emphasize to terminal operators the need for dialogue and co- operation in combating the ease with which stowaways are able to access containers due for shipment. 3  Any containers presented for loading with no seals, faulty or tampered seals should be opened and checked before being re-s