Stowaways, Migrants and Refugees at Sea
Tell a stowaway case from a rescue-at-sea case from the first minute, apply the right prevention, discovery, custody and rescue procedures, and close out a case with complete, lawful documentation — built for Deck Officers, Ship Security Officers, Ratings and the shore teams who handle these cases.
Know the difference, from the first minute
This course trains crew and shore teams to recognize, from the very first minute, whether they face a stowaway case or a rescue-at-sea case — and to apply the correct procedure for each, every time.
It covers stowaway prevention and access control, safe and lawful action when a stowaway is discovered, humane treatment and documentation throughout the custody period, the duty to render assistance and safe rescue of migrants and refugees in distress at sea, and a complete, well-documented close-out at disembarkation.
Built around a running example case, it is self-paced, fully online, and available in both English and French.
Developed by experienced maritime professionals
Our courses are developed by experienced maritime professionals and are designed to provide practical knowledge and competency-based learning for today's maritime industry. On successful completion, participants receive a certificate issued by the Virtual Maritime Academy, recognized worldwide as evidence of professional development and competency.
A digital certificate is delivered by email; a hardcopy certificate is available by mail for a $20 fee.
On successful completion, you will be able to:
These are the learning outcomes established in the course syllabus, Revision 2, 2026.
- ✓Distinguish stowaway cases from rescue-at-sea cases to apply the correct procedure from the first minute of discovery
- ✓Recognize the boundaries of shipboard authority relative to flag, port and coastal State responsibilities
- ✓Apply stowaway-prevention and access-control measures matched to the vessel's trading risk profile
- ✓Respond safely, promptly and correctly when a stowaway is discovered on board
- ✓Maintain humane, non-discriminatory treatment and accurate documentation throughout a stowaway's time in the ship's custody
- ✓Conduct or support a safe rescue operation for migrants and refugees in distress at sea, including immediate post-rescue care
- ✓Communicate respectfully and effectively with affected persons, the company and coordinating authorities
- ✓Plan disembarkation and close out a case with complete documentation and lawful handover
Six chapters and a final assessment
Each chapter concludes with a short knowledge check. Select a chapter to read what it covers.
—Introduction
01Foundations: Definitions, Legal Status and the Regulatory Framework
02Stowaway Prevention and Access Control
03Actions When a Stowaway Is Discovered
04Humane Treatment, Safety, Security and Documentation
05Rescue of Persons in Distress at Sea: Migrants and Refugees
06Communication, Disembarkation and Repatriation
FAFinal Assessment
Download the course syllabus here — Revision 2, 2026.
This course is designed for deck officers, security officers, ratings and shore-based personnel who may face a stowaway or a rescue-at-sea case.
Globally recognized & industry approved
Our courses are developed by experienced maritime professionals and designed to provide practical, competency-based learning that meets internationally recognized standards for training excellence.
CPD Approved Provider #783378A final assessment with a minimum score of 70%
Each chapter concludes with a short knowledge check, followed by a final assessment with a required passing score of 70%, completed in 60 minutes. The final assessment is entirely online. A computer or tablet with a webcam and a reliable internet connection is required.
Students must submit official photo identification before starting the course, as verified by DNV and the CPD Group.
Grounded in the instruments that govern stowaway and rescue-at-sea cases
This course addresses the real instruments that set a ship's and a Master's obligations for stowaways, migrants and refugees at sea.
Be ready for the case that doesn't wait
A stowaway discovery or a rescue at sea gives no warning and no time to look up the procedure. This course builds the judgment to tell the two apart and act correctly from the first minute — prevention, discovery, custody, rescue and a documented close-out.
Completed entirely online, in approximately 2 hours, at your own pace, in English or French.
Revision 2, 2026. Digital certificate by email; hardcopy available for a $20 fee.