I work for the port
You have access to restricted areas and sensitive information. And that’s exactly what criminals are after.
Throw crime overboard
Crime at sea is more common than you might think: from smuggling via the ship to mid-sea transfers. Stay alert and report suspicious situations. You’re protecting yourself, your crew, and your family.
How we help: signals, reporting and support
What to look out for?
You know your job best. So pay attention to any situation on board or around the ship that doesn’t seem right to you:
Small boats coming close
Small vessels approaching unusually close, following the ship, or repeatedly passing alongside can indicate interest in the cargo, crew, or access points.
Someone taking photos
People deliberately photographing the ship, work activities, or crew members without any clear reason may be gathering information for misuse.
Questions about route or cargo
Strangers wanting details about the route, cargo, container numbers, or schedule without a legitimate reason.
Access to restricted spaces
Someone trying to enter engine rooms, technical areas, or other spaces where they have no business being.
Strange activity around the ship
Unusual movements or activity around the ship when it’s at anchor or at night, such as vehicles or people lingering nearby.
Unusual light signals or manoeuvres
Light signals, manoeuvres, or navigation behaviour that doesn’t fit normal operations or communication.
Offers to earn extra money
Someone asking for a “small favour” or offering payment in exchange for passing something on, granting access, or sharing information.
Overly friendly contact
People showing unusual interest, repeatedly initiating conversation, or trying to build a close relationship with a strong focus on your work.
Colleagues suddenly behaving differently
Crew members who suddenly have a lot of money, become secretive, or start acting out of character.
Questions via social media
Unknown accounts or phone numbers asking about work processes, cargo, schedules, or access points, or requesting a small favour.
Damaged locks or missing equipment
Broken locks, forced doors, or equipment that has disappeared without explanation.
Strangers trying to come on board
People trying to enter or leave the port together with crew or staff, without a valid reason or proper access.
Unusual interest in crew schedules
When a colleague, visitor, or someone else seems particularly keen to know about watch patterns, who’s on duty when, or when certain areas are less staffed.
Secretive conversations
Crew members using private phones during critical operations, ending conversations when others walk in, or receiving messages from unknown numbers.
Access to systems without a clear reason
Someone suddenly logging into systems or opening documents they have no need for, such as cargo information, route planning, or technical logs.
Unexplained changes to on-board routines
Sudden changes in the order of tasks, instructions from unclear sources, or colleagues trying to take over tasks they don’t normally do.
Contact with strangers in port
Crew members being sought out by unknown individuals during brief port calls, or making arrangements outside the ship without a clear reason.
How to respond
Sometimes you’ll be approached and sense that something isn’t right. It’s important to recognise those situations and respond calmly. There are always steps you can take to protect yourself and your crew. You don’t have to face it alone.
Keep conversations friendly but clear when someone shows inappropriate interest in routes, cargo, or routines.
Make it clear that you cannot share information outside your role, and that you’re expected to follow the rules. That’s normal and part of doing your job properly.
Discuss it with the captain, an officer, or someone you trust. You see more together than you do alone.
Write down what happened: unusual questions, strange behaviour, small boats near the ship… That way you’ll be better placed to assess the situation later.
Report incidents through your employer’s procedures or via official reporting platforms.
Don’t pass on route data, watch patterns, container numbers, or access information. Not even “just quickly”.
Don’t accept money or gifts. It’s perfectly fine to decline politely but firmly.
You don’t need to investigate or confront anyone. Safety comes first.
Don’t arrange to meet outside the ship, and don’t respond to messages from unknown numbers.
You don’t have to handle it alone. Sharing isn’t telling tales, it’s acting professionally.
Keep conversations friendly but clear when someone shows inappropriate interest in routes, cargo, or routines.
Discuss it with the captain, an officer, or someone you trust. You see more together than you do alone.
Report incidents through your employer’s procedures or via official reporting platforms.
Don’t accept money or gifts. It’s perfectly fine to decline politely but firmly.
Don’t arrange to meet outside the ship, and don’t respond to messages from unknown numbers.
Make it clear that you cannot share information outside your role, and that you’re expected to follow the rules. That’s normal and part of doing your job properly.
Write down what happened: unusual questions, strange behaviour, small boats near the ship… That way you’ll be better placed to assess the situation later.
Don’t pass on route data, watch patterns, container numbers, or access information. Not even “just quickly”.
You don’t need to investigate or confront anyone. Safety comes first.
You don’t have to handle it alone. Sharing isn’t telling tales, it’s acting professionally.
Seen something suspicious? Speak up!
On board and in port, you sometimes notice things that don’t add up. You know your ship, your routines, and your surroundings better than anyone. If something doesn’t feel right, that’s often an important signal.
By reporting it, you protect yourself, your crew, and everyone who relies on the ship. A single report can make all the difference.