USA

Stowaways new enforcement programme - United States

The United States Coast Guard for the Houston/Galveston area has drawn up a new enforcement programme covering procedures for dealing with stowaways. This includes stringent requirements covering notification, and the need for an approved stowaway control plan to be in place, including having private security guards on board before vessels start their inbound transit. The programme is currently under review by the USCG. If approved, similar regulations could be adopted by ports throughout the United States, thereby placing significant additional burdens on vessels operating to the country.

(Eastham, Watson, Dale & Forney, Houston)