Drug Trafficking and Drug Abuse On Board Ship 2025/26 (hardcopy)

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.