Immigration Authorities boarded a non-Chinese flag ship alongside in Ningbo and asked the entire crew to surrender their mobile phones, content of which was uploaded to authorities’ laptop for inspection, West of Engalnd P&I Club informed citing the Hong Kong Shipowners Association (HKSOA).
The agent explained later that the reason behind that search was a nationwide anti-terrorist campaign, and that the search was for videos, files concerning terrorism or any other criminal related activity. The vessel was also advised that the same searches may continue as a routine inspection in the future.
Although the authorities claimed that they didn’t download any personal information, ‘the situation is somewhat disturbing’ the association notes, and the flag State of the ship in question is now considering making a formal protest to the Chinese Government.
“Please be aware and make your own risk assessments what kind of data your seafarers are storing in their mobile phones. This incident could be related to the 19th Party Congress that commences today, and time will tell if the searches continue after that event has completed,” HKSOA said.
The Club urges operators to note this occurrence and the potential for similar inspections amongst their own crews.
