200873 Child pornography on board

On one of our vessels calling at a north American port, a crew member was taken ashore by local police for possession of child pornography. Since such charges have very serious consequences, to the relief of everyone, the crew member was released by the authorities after investigation.

Vessels are being subject to increasingly thorough searches: some customs authorities even insist on full accommodation space searches and scanning through computers and data storage media for illegitimate and objectionable materials, especially pornography. In many countries, pictures of 'immodestly' dressed persons can attract severe penalties.

Masters must be fully aware of all items stored in the ship's bonded locker and make sure that none of the items placed under seal is tampered with. Any personal effects stored in the bonded locker must be fully identified for its contents and ownership. Masters must ensure that any banned items identified are destroyed before arrival. Other 'illegal' goods or possessions can include weapons, explosives, pets, drugs in any form other than for medical purposes.

Editor's note: A sensible practice being followed by some companies is to notify each joining seafarer of common controlled or banned substances and articles and to obtain a written individual undertaking that they shall not possess any of these during their employment. This will not only serve as a warning to seafarers but may also serve as evidence of due diligence.