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Stowaway Measures in Abidjan (Ivory Coast) and Ghana – Update
Ivory Coast
Following the anti-stowaway measures which came into force in Abidjan (Ivory Coast) on 1 May 2016, i.e.
- Before entering the port, all vessels arriving from Tema (Ghana) must present Abidjan’s Harbour Master with a stowaway search certificate duly signed and stamped by Tema’s Harbour Master;
- For each and every stowaway disembarked in Abidjan, no matter their boarding port, a fine in the amount of CFA Francs 2 million (Euros 3,049.00) per stowaway will be payable to the Port of Abidjan. The sum is to be paid by cheque.
our Abidjan office has advised that the stowaway search certificate is only required of vessels whose previous port of call was Tema.
Furthermore, neither of the measures described above are applicable in the Ivory Coast’s second main port, San Pedro.
Ghana
In the meantime, Budd Ghana has obtained the following information regarding the stowaway searches from the Harbour Master of the Port Tema:
Quote
1/ As part of Tema port ISPS implementation, Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) assigns two (2) security men to
assist vessels in port against possible Ghanaian stowaways. Currently the
service is free to enhance the image of the port. The ships master & the crew
as responsible for making sure no stowaways are taken onboard.
2/ Strict searching for any stowaways before departure from port is done by the
ship’s crew with GPHA security assisting in achieving the goal.
3/ On arrival in port, the Master, vessel agent & GPHA security agrees on a
plan and all anti-stowaways measures put in place. Upon completion of cargo
operations the ship’s agent & the Captain completes & signs the stowaway
declaration form to confirm that NO STOWAWAY IS FOUND ONBOARD. Copies are sent
to the Harbour Master’s office & security dept for filing.
4/ Currently no fees is charged for the STOWAWAY DECLARATION CERTIFICATE.
5/ With the high demand for the GPHA ANTI-STOWAWAY SERVICE in port from our
stakeholder, future fees will be imposed to cover cost to the authority.
Unquote
In the course of their enquiries, our Ghana offices were also advised that the disembarkation of non-Ghanaian stowaways is now strictly forbidden in the port of Tema and that any vessels with foreign stowaways on board would be asked to return them to the port where they embarked.
Disembarkation of stowaways remains possible in the port of Takoradi but fines of US$ 1,000.00 per stowaway will be imposed.
Sarah Penwarden
sarah.penwarden@budd-pni.com
Budd, Marseille
.