Where this sits
Governing: ISPS Code Part A section 9 and Part B section 9 (restricted areas, stores, baggage); MGN 70 (M) Amendment 1; STCW Table A-VI/6-2 (inspections). Builds on: L2.1.
Searching
Undertake regular security inspections is one of the four PDSD competences. On a yacht you will search:
- the vessel before sailing, for stowaways and suspicious items;
- after contractors or visitors have been aboard;
- stores, deliveries and baggage;
- in response to a threat or incident, as directed by the SSO.
How to search
| Principle | Why |
|---|---|
| Use the plan or checklist | Covers every space; shows what has been done |
| Search in pairs where possible | Safety, and a second pair of eyes |
| Work in sectors, bottom to top, outside to inside | Nothing is missed or searched twice by accident |
| Look for the out-of-place | Fresh screw marks, moved panels, disturbed dust, unfamiliar bags |
| Mark and report completion | The SSO knows which areas are clear |
| Do not touch suspicious items | Withdraw, keep people clear, report |
Yachts have a lot of hiding places: void spaces, fender and line stowage, tender compartments, toy lockers, ceiling voids in guest areas, bilge spaces and engine room corners. Know them before you need to search them.
WARNING: Suspicious item found Stop searching that area, do not touch or move the item, move people away, and report. The SSO decides what happens next.
Stores and deliveries
A superyacht takes deliveries every day in port. Every one is a way in for contraband or devices.
- Deliveries are expected: checked against an order or the provisioning list.
- Packaging is checked for tampering before it goes below.
- Unscheduled deliveries are held on the dock until confirmed.
- At higher levels, inspection is more thorough and unscheduled deliveries may be refused.
- Delivery drivers do not wander aboard; stores are passed across or escorted.
Baggage
Guest and crew baggage, and particularly unaccompanied baggage such as luggage sent ahead or cases left at the gangway, is screened or searched as the SSP requires. Be tactful with guest luggage; the plan and the captain decide how it is handled, and many principals' security teams manage their own.
Restricted areas
The SSP identifies restricted areas, where unauthorised access could cause serious harm. Typical ones on a yacht:
- the bridge;
- the engine room and machinery control room;
- steering gear space;
- fire control station and emergency generator space;
- spaces with security equipment, CCTV recorders and IT servers;
- sometimes the owner's suite and safes.
Restricted areas are locked or monitored, marked where the plan requires, and entered only by authorised crew. At higher levels, monitoring increases and more spaces are locked.
Stowaways
Preventive searches before sailing are the main defence. If a stowaway is found:
- raise the alarm and inform the master;
- keep the person safe, secure and apart, and treat them humanely;
- search them and the area for identity documents and anything dangerous;
- the master reports under MGN 70, which sets the UK reporting procedure and the welfare obligations.
TIP: Record the search Log the time, area, searchers and result of every security search. When something is found later, the record shows what was clear and when.