Stowaways in South Africa

The Club has been informed by our local correspondent, P&I Associates (Pty) Ltd, that with immediate effect no stowaways will be permitted to be landed in South Africa, unless it is a medical emergency. The effect of this decision means that any person declared as a stowaway in a South African port will have to remain on the vessel and be removed either on route or at the next port of call.

The decision to impose this new restriction was made without prior warning or consultation with the relevant stakeholders. Whilst efforts are being made to engage with the South African authorities to address concerns about this new policy in the interim, P&I Associates (Pty) Ltd recommend our Members not to allow any person to board their vessel if they are not in possession of a Transnet National Port’s Authority (TMPA) port permit. It is also advisable for private security to be arranged to check permits at the bottom of the gangway to prevent stowaways getting past the security desk and two guards should be stationed on the quayside on the fore and aft mooring ropes.

The Club will continue to keep Members advised of any further developments.