Pre-departure Drug & Stowaway Search
Documented search of all accessible spaces before departure from a high-risk port to detect contraband, stowaways, and security threats.
In practice
Routine USCG, Australian, and UK Border Force search; ship's drug-search dog handler and PFSO coordinate. Crew confined to accommodation during search. Discovery of contraband detains vessel and exposes master to fines.
Regulatory detail & full definition
Required by the ISPS Code (Ship Security Plan) and the company SMS. Areas covered: cargo holds, accommodation, lifeboats, mast houses, void spaces, anchor locker, chain locker, fore peak, ballast tanks (where accessible without enclosed-space entry). Search team typically 4-6 crew, briefed and assigned zones. Output is the search certificate signed by Master.
Authoritative source: SOLAS Chapter XI-2 / ISPS Code ↗
Related
Source: ISPS Code Part A/B; IMO MSC/Circ.1334
High confidence
Editorial confidence: how we grade.