Colombia – Precautions Against Drug Smuggling

The following recommendations have been received from Pandi Colombia S.A.. They are general but not exhaustive guidelines for precautionary measures to be enforced while the vessel is in port, whether she is anchored or alongside the berth:

• The whole crew should be warned of the risks of carrying or trafficking drugs. Evidence of these warnings are to be exhibited to the authorities when necessary.
• When going ashore, the crew should be warned that if they choose to have contact with local people they should be very careful to ensure that the people they deal with are not connected with illegal activities. Clearly, if problems are encountered with drugs and members of the crew have been seen meeting with people known to be connected with drug traffickers, there is every likelihood the authorities will allege crew involvement.
• Keep a security log at the gangway recording due identification of any persons boarding or disembarking the vessel, including crewmembers.
• Perform other security checks, inspections and rounds with the crew and security guards.
• Do not allow access to any persons who do not have specific work to be performed on board.
• Keep locked the access to places in which no work is to be carried out.
• Permanent watch on places where people (stevedores) are working.
• Permanent watch on main deck and boat decks. At night time these should be well lit.
• Watch for the approach of small boats or the presence of unauthorised divers or other attempts by unauthorised persons to board the vessel.
• Request the inspection of the vessel by the anti-narcotics team before departure, including an underwater inspection.
• In the event of drugs being found on board, cooperate fully with the investigating authorities.
• MOST IMPORTANT: In case of problems immediately seek assistance from the Club’s local correspondents