Editor’s note: With the Syrian refugee crisis continuing, there’s the possibility of encountering migrants aboard boats and makeshift vessels in the Med this summer. Lending humanitarian aid is not just warranted, it’s required; also warranted, though, are understanding the potential risks and how to be prepared. Rosemont Yacht Management created the following guidance for its clients, which we are sharing with its permission. For more on properly protecting your yacht and those aboard, contact Shelley Dowie at Rosemont Yacht Management or your own management provider.
Every year, thousands of desperate people are fleeing their country by sea to escape persecution, war, and violence. In 2014 the number of people arriving by sea in Europe was 219,000. In 2015 this number increased dramatically, with close to a million refugees reported to have attempted crossing the Mediterranean Sea. These people are desperate to flee their country and embark on the treacherous journey across the Mediterranean with their families, knowing that the rate of survival is low.
According to data from the International Organization for Migration, last year alone saw an estimated 1,011,712 migrants and refugees arrive in the Mediterranean by sea, with Greece (853,650) and Italy (153,843) receiving the majority of the individuals; 3,770 of these were fatalities. As of April 20, 180,245 migrants and refugees have already traveled by sea to Greece and Italy since the beginning of 2016. Of these, 1,232 have died or been reported missing at sea. The number of arrivals is set to increase dramatically throughout the year.
These migrant vessels are carrying anywhere between 10 and 850 persons. An encounter with one of these migrant vessels raises a whole range of questions and safety issues for owners and their yachts, such as stability, security, safety of own vessel and crew, food and medical supplies, and loss of earnings to the owner.
In February this year, the yacht Gene Machine encountered six Cuban migrants in a broken-down boat after being adrift for six days off the coast of Miami. Several Merchant and Navy ships have also been actively involved in several rescues worldwide over the past 12 months.
The issue is not new, and refugee migration is happening the world over. Under International Maritime Law, the Master of each vessel has an obligation to render assistance to those in distress at sea without regard to their nationality, status, or the circumstances in which they are found. Helpfully, the amended regulations do also state that Contracting States shall provide assistance to Masters and release them from their obligations with minimum further deviation from their voyage.
Captains and crew have to face the reality that they may encounter or be called upon to render assistance to a vessel in the near future; the key to effective assistance is being prepared. Prior to the start of the season, Masters should carry out a full risk assessment to identify the hazards and safety and security risks associated with a large-scale rescue at sea.
Points to be considered when preparing the Risk Assessment and Standard Operating Procedure:
IDENTIFY
Identify known migrant routes and mark on charts, post extra lookouts, and be vigilant; report any sightings immediately to the nearest RCC (Rescue Coordination Center).
PREPARE
Have contact details of RCCs, NGOs, and authorities on the bridge; check PPE, medical, and lifesaving supplies.
TRAIN & DRILL
Make humanitarian rescue part of the muster duties; allocate tasks; practice embarkation methods; hold tabletop discussions on best practices; train in crowd control.
RESCUE
Provide immediate assistance if persons are in the water; consider the use of liferafts if migrant vessel is sinking; consider launching tenders; board women, children, and frail first; if vessel is floating, consider standing by until the Coast Guard arrives; maneuver your vessel to provide shelter to the migrant vessel.
SECURE & PROTECT
Before embarking any persons, set up a reception area where people are searched and documented before being allowed to the holding area; treat all persons with humanity; crew to work in pairs; wear PPE; reduce entry to one designated point; allocate sanitary facilities; provide food and water; render medical assistance.
RESTORE
Disinfect and sanitize vessel; give crew adequate rest; offer trauma advice; replenish used medical and PPE supplies; check for stowaways.
What we can be sure of is that the migrant crisis is not going away, and the probability of yachts encountering such a rescue situation is more prevalent this summer than it ever has been. Being prepared can, and will, save lives.
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