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Procedure when a seaman is left behind
General
Master's obligation
Procedure
Finding a seaman left behind
Costs
Immigration officers frequently have to deal with seamen who are not on board when their ocean vessel leaves the port. This may be because the ship left at an earlier time, or because the seaman stayed behind deliberately. An accident or a drowning may be other reasons why a seaman did not return on board.
The master is obliged to immediately notify an immigration officer of the border crossing point where the ship is berthed if a crew member is missing.
After notice has been given, immigration officers will carry out a further investigation and record the crew member's absence in a report.
When a seaman is found or has reported to the border crossing point, the matter will be dealt with in consultation with the Aliens Police. If he holds a border crossing document, he will be repatriated to the country of origin in consultation with the ship agent or he will travel to the port where his ship is then berthed. If he does not hold a valid border crossing document, attempts will be made in consultation with the ship agent to obtain a border crossing document, so as to allow the seaman to leave at a later time.
The costs of the seaman's repatriation, board and lodging are to be paid by the ship's owners or by the ship agent looking after the owners' interests.
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