Mass Maritime Migration + Stowaways Flashcards
Define Maritime migration
The large-scale movement of people across maritime borders, often involving the crossing of seas, oceans, or other bodies of water in search of refuge, better economic opportunities, or to escape conflict, persecution, or other forms of hardship in their home countries
Mass Maritime Migration is part of the tapestry of human movement globally, but without thoughtful management on ships can cause a range of problems with
unintended consequences.
Give an examples for mass maritime migration
April: As Haiti’s beleaguered security forces fight to keep criminal gangs from taking over the country, the state of Florida is taking measures to prepare for a potential wave of maritime migration. Haitian nationals regularly try to make the dangerous crossing to Florida, and thousands are intercepted by the Coast Guard every year - but the surge in violence and hunger in Haiti is widely expected to boost the rate of the exodus.
March: At least 60 maritime migrants have died after going adrift in the Central Mediterranean.
The NGO reports that it rescued 25 survivors from a rubber raft on Wednesday, with assistance from the Italian coast guard. Two additional migrants were unconscious in the raft and were medevaced, but died after their rescue.
The group had departed Zawiya, Libya the week before. Three days into their voyage, their raft’s engine broke down, and their boat drifted for days without food or water. About 60 died, including one woman and one child. All the survivors were men from Subsaharan Africa.
What are the problems with mass maritime migration?
Who are stowaways?
Stowaways getting onto a ship demonstrates the lack of security within the port and onboard the ship in accordance with the ISPS Code, and should therefore be
of concern.
Stowaways are individuals who secretly board a vessel without permission or proper authorization, with the intent to travel to a destination without paying for transportation or revealing themselves to authorities.
Stowaways typically conceal themselves in cargo holds, storage areas, or other hidden compartments on the vehicle or vessel.
Stowing away poses significant dangers to the individuals involved, including exposure to extreme temperatures, lack of oxygen, dehydration, suffocation, physical injury, and the risk of being detected and apprehended by authorities. In some cases, stowaways may face criminal charges or deportation if discovered.
While stowaways are often viewed as unauthorized or illegal migrants, they may also be individuals in need of protection or assistance, such as asylum seekers or refugees fleeing persecution or violence. Authorities and transportation companies must balance security concerns with humanitarian considerations when addressing stowaway incidents.
What should a master do if a stowaway is discovered?
(considering IMO guidlines)
https://safety4sea.com/gard-key-actions-when-stowaways-are-found-onboard/#:~:text=The%20master%20and%20crew%20should,the%20stowaways%20with%20medical%20assistance.
Help from many different authorities:
https://www.hellenicshippingnews.com/what-is-a-crews-legal-responsibility-if-a-stowaway-is-discovered/
What are the issues of stowaways?
Sometimes, they are severely mistreated:
Instances of stowaways being mistreated or even murdered after being discovered on vessels led the International Maritime Organisation to pass guidelines applicable to all ports in all countries. However, the industry falls short of adhering to these guidelines.On too many occasions, stowaways were and are still being cast overboard in floating drums or boxes with little food and water and left to their fate.
In 1990, the Chief Officer and and crew members of the MC Ruby, now serving life sentences after being found guilty of murdering eight African stowaways and dumping their bodies in the sea. Their crime exposed by Kingsley Ofosu the sole surviving stowaway of the massacre who hid on the ship until the vessel docked.
In April 2020 the MV Top Grace bulk carrier captain pleaded guilty to manslaughter in a South African court after throwing two Tanzanian stowaways overboard who paddled to land through shark-infested waters and survived.
What does UNCLOS say about maritime migration?
United Nations Convention of the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) 1982
Every State shall require the master of a ship flying its flag, in so far as he can do so without serious danger to their ship, the crew or passengers:
a. To render assistance to any person found at sea in danger of being lost
b. To proceeds with all possible speed to the rescue of persons in distress, if informed of their
need of assistance, in so far as action may reasonably be expected of him
You are the Master of a medium sized Parcel Tanker, with a crew of 16, transiting waters in which there are known to be migrants attempting to cross shipping lanes, fleeing a country where terrorist insurgents have instigated a civil war and are causing havoc and carnage.
The migrants are fleeing for their lives to a country of refuge, what plans would you put in place to ensure that you and your crew could deal with this?
Risk Assessment and Preparation:
- Conduct a thorough risk assessment of the situation, considering factors such as the proximity of the conflict zone, the likelihood of encountering migrants, and the potential security risks involved.
- Ensure that the crew is briefed on the situation and aware of the potential risks and challenges they may face.
- Communication and Coordination:
Maintain open communication with relevant authorities, such as coast guards, maritime security agencies, and search and rescue coordination centers. - Coordinate with other vessels in the area to share information and resources and establish communication channels for emergency assistance if needed.
- Safety Procedures and Equipment:
Review and reinforce safety procedures and emergency protocols for dealing with humanitarian situations at sea, including procedures for assessing the situation, providing assistance, and ensuring the safety of the crew and vessel. - Ensure that the vessel is equipped with necessary safety equipment, such as life rafts, life jackets, medical supplies, and communication devices, to respond to emergencies.
- Humanitarian Assistance:
Prepare to provide humanitarian assistance to migrants in distress, including medical aid, food, water, and shelter, to the extent possible within the constraints of the vessel’s capabilities and resources.
- Establish protocols for safely boarding and disembarking migrants, ensuring their safety and security during the process.
- Non-Discrimination and Human Rights:
Treat all individuals encountered at sea with dignity, respect, and compassion, regardless of their nationality, ethnicity, or legal status.
Adhere to international human rights principles and ensure that no discriminatory practices are tolerated.
- Documentation and Reporting:
Keep detailed records of any encounters with migrants, including the number of persons rescued, medical conditions observed, actions taken, and communications with authorities. - Report the incident to the relevant authorities as required by international regulations and cooperate fully with any investigations or inquiries.
- Continuous Monitoring:
Maintain vigilant watchkeeping and monitoring of the vessel’s surroundings for any signs of distress or unusual activity. - Stay informed about developments in the region and adjust plans and procedures accordingly.
Just after sunset, the officer of the watch notifies you (the Master) that he has seen a sinking boat off the Starboard bow at 10 miles. He informs you that the boat is very crowded with “hundreds” of men, women and children. He doesn’t think the people on the boat have seen your ship. If you stop to assist the passengers of the boat your ship could be overwhelmed by migrants, what do you do?
Scenario 1:
Immediate Assistance
The Master receives a report from the officer of the watch about a sinking boat with hundreds of men, women, and children aboard. The Master assesses the situation and determines that immediate assistance is necessary to prevent loss of life. Despite the potential risks of being overwhelmed by migrants, the Master decides to stop the vessel and initiate a rescue operation. The crew deploys life-saving equipment, launches rescue boats if available, and begins retrieving migrants from the sinking boat. The Master maintains communication with relevant authorities and requests assistance from nearby vessels and coast guards. Despite challenges and logistical difficulties, the crew successfully rescues all migrants from the sinking boat and provides necessary medical aid and support. The Master ensures that all rescued individuals are safely transferred to authorities or taken to the nearest port of safety for further assistance and processing.
Scenario 2:
Coordinated Response
Upon receiving the report of a sinking boat with migrants, the Master assesses the risks and determines that stopping the vessel to assist may pose significant safety concerns for the crew and the vessel. The Master immediately notifies relevant authorities of the situation and maintains communication to coordinate a response. The Master decides to stand by at a safe distance from the sinking boat while awaiting guidance and assistance from coast guards or search and rescue coordination centers. The Master communicates with nearby vessels to inform them of the situation and request assistance if needed. The Master continues to monitor the situation closely, ready to provide assistance if the risk level decreases or if directed to do so by authorities. The Master ensures that the vessel remains prepared to respond to any emergency and follows all instructions and protocols provided by authorities for the safe and effective management of the situation.
- the master must prioritise the safety of the vessel and the crew at first and make decisions that would not jeopardise that. They must follow the required guidelines, which is report to the relevant authorities and await assistance, and if necessary take on a few individuals on boards and throw life saving equipement until the necessary aid arrives.
