Person who hides aboard a ship to gain free passage or escape circumstances ashore, without consent of the operator.
Regulatory detail & full definition
Covered by IMO FAL Convention Section 4 (Stowaways). Master must inform next port and flag/port states; the shipowner is generally liable for repatriation costs. P&I Club provides cover up to a substantial limit. Most stowaway incidents originate in West African ports (Lagos, Tema, Abidjan). Pre-departure stowaway searches required by the company SMS.