Where this sits
Governing: ISPS Code Part A section 7 and Part B section 9 (access to the ship); STCW Table A-VI/6-2. Builds on: L1.2.
The principle
Nobody boards unless the vessel knows who they are, why they are here, and has recorded it. Everything else is detail.
| Check | What it looks like |
|---|---|
| Identify | Photo ID or crew pass compared with the face; for regular contractors, a pass issued by the yacht |
| Authorise | On the crew list, guest list, visitor list or contractor schedule; or confirmed by the duty officer |
| Record | Visitor log: name, company, time on and off, who they are visiting, pass number issued |
| Control | Escort or directions; restricted areas locked; pass returned on leaving |
Access points on a yacht
Access control only works if you know every way aboard:
- passerelle or gangway: the obvious one;
- side boarding doors and shell doors used for stores;
- swim platform and beach club, especially with the garage open;
- tenders alongside or on a boom;
- mooring lines and anchor chain, for someone determined;
- crew entrance on the dock side when stern-to;
- the neighbour: yachts rafted up or berthed side by side.
Secure the points not in use: raise the passerelle, close and lock doors, bring tenders in or light them, lift boarding ladders. At higher levels, reduce the open points so that you can watch the ones left.
WARNING: The open garage A tender garage left open at anchor with the lights off is an open front door at water level. Close it, or watch it.
Gangway watch
The gangway watch is the most common designated duty. Good practice:
- be at the post, not near it; you cannot control access from the crew mess;
- keep the visitor log and passes at hand;
- have a radio and know who to call;
- keep a view of the dock as well as the gangway, and watch for reconnaissance;
- do not leave the post unattended; get relieved.
Crew, guests and contractors
- Crew: known faces still use the crew entrance and show passes if the plan requires. A crew member who has left the yacht no longer has access.
- Guests: identified from the guest list. Their visitors are visitors.
- Contractors: expected by name and company; ID checked; tool bags checked as the plan says; escorted into restricted areas.
- Officials: police, customs and port state inspectors carry ID. Check it, verify through the agent or authority if in doubt, and tell the master at once.
Refusing access
Refusing access is part of the job. Be polite, be firm, explain that you are following the vessel's procedures, and offer an alternative: "I'll pass your details to the captain." Then report and log the approach. Hostile reconnaissance often looks like a charming person with a plausible story.
TIP: Scripts help Agree a few standard phrases with the SSO for refusing access. They take the personal element out of it and make it easier for junior crew to hold the line.
Weapons and dangerous substances
The SSP includes measures to prevent weapons, dangerous substances and devices from being brought aboard without authorisation. If you find or suspect one at the gangway, do not handle it: deny access, keep people away, and call the duty officer. Guests' close protection officers carrying firearms is a matter the master and the port authorities decide in advance, never at the gangway.