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What to Do If a Snake Is Discovered on Board

🐍 Finding a snake on a ship – whether it’s a cargo vessel or a passenger cruise – can be a rare but serious situation. Here’s how crew members should handle it:
Stay Calm and Keep Your Distance
Do not try to catch or kill the snake yourself. Avoid sudden movements, and don’t provoke it. Alert those nearby and keep passengers or crew away from the area.
Secure the Area
If possible, isolate the area where the snake was spotted. Close doors or hatches if it’s safe to do so. Make sure the snake can’t move freely into more populated or sensitive areas of the ship.
Report Immediately
Inform the bridge or officer on duty right away. The incident should be logged, and a risk assessment carried out. The Master and safety officer will decide on the next steps.
Use PPE and Trained Personnel
If any crew members are trained in wildlife handling and it’s safe to do so, they may attempt to remove the snake using proper equipment – such as snake hooks, tongs, and containment boxes. They must wear gloves and protective gear.
Contact Port Authorities or Pest Control
If the snake cannot be safely removed on board, contact port health authorities or a licensed pest control service at the next port of call. They can assist with removal and identify whether the snake is venomous.
Passenger Communication (for cruise/passenger vessels)
Keep passengers informed without causing panic. Make sure they know to avoid the area and that trained personnel are handling the situation.
Review How It Got On Board
After removal, investigate how the snake got on the vessel – was it in cargo, luggage, or possibly climbed aboard in port? Review and tighten biosecurity procedures to prevent future incidents.
Important Reminder: Never assume a snake is harmless. Even non-venomous snakes can bite or cause panic. The priority is always safety – yours and everyone else’s.
Picture: Joel Everard/ Shutterstock