Abstract: The stowaway situation aboard commercial ships is an ongoing problem in the shipping industry, and it has many different aspects including operational, legal, economical and safety. This research will analyse the whole phenomenon from a multi-dimensional point of view by using data collected from Ro-Pax ship operations combined with the applicable international regulations and relevant academic literature. To investigate the key vulnerabilities that allow unauthorized persons to gain access to ships, especially in high-risk marine areas (Canary Islands, Strait of Gibraltar, Balearic Islands) a qualitative method based on a case study approach and document analysis was used. The study reveals that despite a large body of regulations governing access to ports (ISPS Code, FAL Convention), there exist considerable gaps between what is required formally and how those require-ments can be implemented in practice. The study also highlights that lack of effective controls over access to ports, inadequate surveillance measures and operational constraints onboard vessels create the conditions for continued occurrence of this phenomenon. Furthermore, the study emphasizes that addressing this problem requires a two-fold approach; from one side to ensure adequate protection against potential threats for ships and cargo; and from the other hand to respect human rights. Finally, recommendations are made regarding best practices to prevent unauthorized boarding and in-crease the level of cooperation among maritime actors while increasing the capacity for training crew members.

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