The complete chief officer 13 stowaways

So, despite the searches undertaken in the port, a stowaway has been found, or more likely
emerged from the depths of the ship or wherever he was hiding. You will now be having an
interesting conversation with the Captain. He, of course, will take the final blame, but it was
your search, your decks and your crew, so do not expect a cordial meeting.
However, after this you have the problem of dealing with the stowaway until he can be
offloaded. The old tradition of settling him in the galley with twenty sacks of potatoes and a
peeler has gone. The ship does not have the authority to force him to work, although he
may volunteer. Meanwhile, you must ensure that there is no manhandling of him and that
he is provided with bedding, food and, if necessary, clothing. In other words, he has to be
treated like the rest of the crew while he is onboard.
It is my experience that the crew do treat them with some sympathy and generally extend a
gruff kindness. You will be guided by the Master as to their condition onboard but remember
that, while they are on the ship, their welfare and security

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are your responsibility. If you arrive in port and they are not being repatriated there are very
strict fines if they disappear. Under these circumstances they can be put under lock and key in
the ship, but if you feel that you cannot deal with or guarantee such security then you must
advise the Master. Hopefully he will then make arrangements for shore security to ensure the
compliance with the port's administration.

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