797 - 11/11 - Effective security measures - Worldwide

The Club has witnessed an increase in cases of drugs found on board members vessels. It is on this point the Club would wish to reinforce the importance of having effective security measures in place to limit the risk of a vessel unwittingly being used to smuggle drugs.

The quantities of drugs found onboard vary widely from small amounts carried on a stowaways person to vast amounts smuggled and stowed onboard a ship.

It is mandatory for a vessel to have a comprehensive security plan under the ISPS code. However the plan and policies must be properly carried out if they are to be effective.