occurring at a port or terminal, they have not prevented the criminal from identifying a suitable cargo to steal once it has left that location.


There is therefore a need to constantly review procedures. For instance:


● Are you satisfied that a container was correctly secured before departure from the shipper’s premises?


● Are you satisfied with the haulier contracted to move a laden container on your behalf?


● Do they use sub-contractors? If so, are they suitable to undertake this work?


● Are transport instructions issued to the haulier?


● How efficient is the checking procedure of a container on its arrival at a port?


Above and inset, part


removed pin on sealed door handle


● Interference to the container doors. The weakest links tend to be the pivot rivet connecting the door handle to the handle hub, the rivet to the swivel seal bracket and the rivets on the door hinges.


The presence of a seal on a container provides evidence that its cargo has remained secure throughout its journey. It is not an anti-theft device. Fortunately, there have been significant advancements in the design of seals which act as an additional deterrent against the loss of cargo from containers whilst in transit.


These improvements alone will not prevent an attack on a container, because if given the time, situation and the tools, the criminal can remove virtually any seal or section of a container’s door. As with a container, the extent to which a seal offers protection is only as good as the system into which it is introduced.


For this reason it is imperative that issuers of bills of lading are satisfied that the procedures in place throughout a container’s movement meet their requirements. If it does not, take heed, for resourceful criminals know what containers to attack and the weaknesses in the operational system to enable them to carry out the crime.


In many instances, where improved security procedures have reduced the opportunity of a loss


18


● Is there a physical check prior to a container being loaded onto a vessel? Accepting the operational and financial aspects that are involved when discharge and loading takes place, it is this weakness in the system which is constantly exploited by criminals, who remove cargo prior to loading.


● Is the seal physically checked when the container is offloaded at the destination port?


● Is the seal checked when the container leaves the port?


● Is there a procedure in place should there be an alleged irregularity on delivery?


It is important whenever there is a potential loss that: ● The seal sections are retained.


● Special attention is given to the container’s doors, in particular as to whether there are any different shaped rivet heads or signs of repainting.


Any irregularity should be noted, with consideration being given to a surveyor’s examination.


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