Drug Trafficking and Drug Abuse On Board Ship 2025-2026 edition

Drug Trafficking and Drug Abuse On Board Ship

Guidelines for Owners and Masters on Preparation, Prevention, Protection and Response, 2025-2026 Edition

This publication provides guidance on how to combat drug trafficking at sea and how to recognise the signs of drug use and dependence among crew members.

Considered the leading industry publication on the topic, this 2025 – 2026 edition has been fully updated by industry experts to assist shipping companies, Masters and officers to prepare for, prevent, protect against and respond to drug trafficking and drug abuse at sea.

Use of these Guidelines can help to protect the shipping industry from the reputational and commercial damage that may be associated with drug incidents. They identify shipboard operational considerations and responses, as well as the training and procedures that should be in place both ashore and on board.

Fully updated and revised to incorporate the latest industry and regulatory guidance, topics covered include:

• Drug trafficking trends and patterns, as well as high-profile seizures and incidents
• physical security measures, both in port and on board ship
• training and education, including suggested training at both ship and corporate levels
• search procedures, including methods of searching and common concealment methods
• actions to be taken when drugs are found on board, including incident response reports and customs information.

These Guidelines provide essential guidance for shipping companies, ports, Masters, ships’ officers, cargo owners, government officials, customs and the maritime industry as a whole.

Also available as eReader (Witherby Connect licence). Access your eBook from any internet enabled device. Please contact us for more information.

Drug Trafficking and Drug Abuse On Board Ship, 2025-2026 Edition, BP109775, 1917308373