Drug smuggling is on the increase for vessels entering Colombian ports* and the following are general guidelines for precautionary measures to be taken to safeguard the vessel whilst in port, irrespective of whether at anchor or alongside the berth.
1. The entire crew must be warned as to the risks of carrying or trafficking in drugs. Evidence of these warnings must be clearly displayed at the point of entry/exit to the vessel and within the accommodation areas and must be shown to the authorities when necessary.
2. Crew going ashore must be warned that if they choose to have contact with the local people, they should be very careful to ensure the persons they are meeting with are not connected with illegal drug activities. Clearly, if any crew are seen to be connected with drugs traffickers/members/cartels, there is every likelihood that the authorities will act forcefully.
3. The vessel must keep a strict security log at the point of entry/exit to the vessel, recording the identity of all persons boarding or exiting the vessel. No unauthorised persons should be allowed to board.
4. The vessel’s crew must perform regular security checks and shipboard inspections throughout the duration of the port call. Approved security guards should be used as and when required.
5. The vessel’s crew must not allow access to any persons who have no legitimate requirements for being aboard the vessel.
6. All points of entry aboard the vessel must be locked, where no access to work is required.
7. A permanent watch is to be maintained in areas where non-crew members (stevedores, repair technicians and suppliers of goods/equipment etc) are working.
8. A permanent watch is to be maintained in all working areas. Areas such as the forecastle, poop deck, main decks and boat decks etc, must be well lit during the hours of darkness.
9. The vessel must maintain a good lookout for approaching small boats, or the presence of unauthorised divers, or other attempts by unauthorised persons to board the vessel.
10. The vessel should request an inspection by the antinarcotics team before departure, including the underwater hull, if there is any reason at all to suspect that drugs may have been placed aboard the vessel.
11. In the event of drugs being found on board, vessel and crew should co-operate fully with the local authorities for the duration of the investigation.
12. Should problems arise the master should immediately seek assistance and guidance from the Club’s local correspondents.
* This advice applies equally to vessels visiting Peru, Ecuador, Venezuela and any South American and/or Caribbean regions were drugs are an inherent problem.
With thanks to Pandi Colombia S.A. for supplying the information on which this article is based.
