Guidelines to prevent Stowaway access to vessels Preventing stowaway access to vessels, emphasising proactive measures, security protocols, and crew training to mitigate risks Risk alerts Steamship Mutual Published: August 02, 2023 Contact author Download article pdf IMO definition of Stowaway The Convention on Facilitation of International Maritime Traffic, 1965, as amended, (The FAL Convention), defines a stowaway as "A person who is secreted on a ship, or in cargo which is subsequently loaded on the ship, without the consent of the shipowner or the Master or any other responsible person and who is detected on board the ship after it has departed from a port, or in the cargo while unloading it in the port of arrival, and is reported as a stowaway by the master to the appropriate authorities.” Background Stowaway cases can be protracted and complicated, having commercial implications for the shipowners / operators and presenting operational challenges for the ship’s crew. Stowaways can pose significant issues for the Members, with the potential for disruption to the vessel’s schedule. The IMO has published “Consideration and analysis of reports and information on persons rescued at sea and stowaways” which analyses claims data collated by the International Group of P&I Clubs on stowaway cases, in order to facilitate the discussions on stowaways at the IMO level. Stowaways take great risks with their lives, and their determination and resourcefulness to succeed in pursuing their goals of a different life should never be underestimated.  There have been a number of recorded instances where stowaways are known to have used threatening behaviour toward the ship’s crew. Some countries are reluctant to assist the Master with disembarkation of stowaways at their ports, consequently stowaways may be required to remain on the ship until an alternative, suitable port of disembarkation can be identified by the shipowners. Some local State authorities may have their o