Stowaways are an age-old problem for shipping, but the threats they pose and the potential costs and other consequences have increased significantly in recent years.

This practical guide in The Nautical Institute’s Maritime Security Suite covers the security basics of preventing illegal boarding, along with safe ways of apprehending, searching, recording, reporting and accommodating stowaways found on board. Case studies explain migrant smugglers’ tactics and highlight lessons to be learned from recent stowaway incidents.

Rescue of migrants has developed into a major challenge for shipping, especially in the Mediterranean, so this section has been enlarged and updated for this second edition. Guidance has also been added on the precautions to take against infectious disease being brought on to the ship.