The international shipping industry faces a significant risk of unwarranted arrests and severe prison sentences in certain ports around the world, according to BIMCO. Judges in some countries have handed out lengthy prison terms to crew members based on a limited understanding of merchant ship operations. The slow legal procedures in these countries can result in crew members and shipowners being detained for extended periods, causing concern within the industry.
Drug smugglers are increasingly targeting the maritime industry, especially with the rise in coca production in Colombia. Ships of all types are at risk, with drugs being smuggled onto vessels in various ways, such as being hidden on board by shore staff or crew members, attached to the hull by divers, or concealed in shipping containers. This poses a significant challenge for crew members in preventing their ships from being used for illegal activities.
To mitigate the risk of drug smuggling, BIMCO recommends implementing practical security measures onboard ships. These measures include providing education and briefings to crew members on how smugglers operate, conducting systematic searches of the ship and cargo during port calls, and increasing vigilance during port stays. Despite these efforts, there is still a risk of drugs being hidden onboard due to the complicity of some law enforcement, port officials, and security operators. Crew members face challenges in ensuring their ships remain free of illicit cargo.
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