38 The Brazilian authorities spoke of the drug-related aspect of some of the attacks on ships in the ports. It was suggested that some of the criminals might have been boarding the ships with the assistance of the crew. Given the amount of money at stake in drug-related activities and the ruthlessness of the criminals involved, this possibility underlines the need for Government involvement at the highest level. Drug traffickers have the resources to employ superior logistics and organizational back-up and, if their involvement in attacks on ships becomes widespread, the defence of the ship would be beyond the capability of the seafarers on their own. It is expected (and will be pursued from the IMO side) that during the IMO FAL seminars and workshops planned in Latin America for 1999, the agencies involved will consider ways of integrating drug enforcement with anti-piracy efforts in the region.
39 The IMO mission was informed that some port agents employed armed guard to patrol their ships while in port. The number of companies using such services was still small and it was not possible as yet to gauge the impact of the practice on the problem. There was agreement, however, that when a company decides to employ armed guards, the onus would be on the company to thoroughly vet the guards, because firearms in the hands of untrained people or people with criminal background could create a dangerous situation. The Brazilian authorities were fully aware of the possible dangers and were watching the development closely.
40 After talking to a cross section of agencies involved with security matters in the ports of Santos and Rio de Janeiro, the IMO mission was satisfied that the authorities were deeply concerned about the problem of piracy and armed robbery in the ports and were taking action within their available resources to deal with them. The events in ports and the results of the new measures being taken need to be viewed in the context of the social situation which has resulted in a high level of crimes in the regions. The number of crimes may have in turn created a considerable level of tolerance in the general population to such activities.
41 While law enforcement agencies have a part to play, it is the responsibility of shipowners, shipmasters and crew to take seamanlike precautions while in ports or navigating in areas where the threat of piracy and armed robbery is know to exist. The following specific measures are therefore recommended by the Navy Authorities:
- good illumination of the deck and shipside;
- establishment of communication for outside support;
- control of the access to the cargo area and living quarters;
- keeping port-holes closed in port;
- not leaving valuables exposed;
- keeping gangways raised at anchorages and in port leaving only the dockside gangway down;
- in case of attack, sounding the alarm and establishing radio contact with the nearest Coast Radio Station;
