General Manager of Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority (SLPHA) Mr Yankuba Askia Bio
In response to the increasing number of stowaways being discovered on vessels arriving at ports in West Africa, the Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority (SLPHA) has taken a firm stance by implementing a fine of USD 2,000 per stowaway disembarked. This decision aims to crack down on the issue and incentivize ship crews to enhance their vigilance during their time in port.
The new policy requires ship owners to instruct their Masters not to deviate from their planned route unless permission has been granted by the Sierra Leone Ports & Harbours Authority or there are extenuating security, health, or compassionate reasons accepted by the Authority. This measure is intended to discourage vessels from seeking the disembarkation of stowaways at ports in the region.
Following the lead of SLPHA, the Port Management Association of West and Central Africa has also decided to implement fines for the disembarkation of stowaways at their ports. The Authority will be introducing a disembarkation fine of $2,000 for each stowaway, with vessels being encouraged to transport the stowaways to the next port of call instead.
While the decision to implement fines for disembarking stowaways has been met with mixed reactions, it is clear that this new policy is a step towards addressing the challenges posed by stowaways in the region. By holding vessels accountable and encouraging them to enhance their vigilance, the authorities hope to reduce the incidence of stowaways and improve security at ports in West Africa.
Some stakeholders believe that the fines will help improve security at ports, while others are concerned about the potential impact on shipping companies and the cost implications of transporting stowaways to the next port of call. Despite these differing opinions, all stakeholders need to work together to comply with the new policy and prevent stowaways from being disembarked at ports in West Africa.
In conclusion, the implementation of fines for disembarking stowaways at ports in West Africa marks a significant development in the region’s efforts to address this longstanding issue. While challenges may arise, these fines are a necessary measure to ensure the safety and security of ports in the region. Cooperation among all stakeholders is crucial to effectively combat the issue of stowaways and improve overall port security in West Africa.
