Maritime Security Awareness Complete Practice Test 2025

In a maritime context, a "stowaway" refers to an unauthorized person who hides aboard a vessel without permission, typically intending to travel without paying or to escape from one location to another. Stowaways can pose significant security risks as they may be unaccounted for in safety drills, disrupt routines on board, and potentially engage in criminal activities. This definition underscores the importance of maintaining strict security measures to prevent unauthorized access to vessels and to ensure that all individuals on board are properly documented and accounted for.

The other choices outline individuals associated with a vessel in official or authorized capacities but do not fit the definition of a stowaway. A crew member on leave and an authorized visitor both have legitimate access to the vessel, while a ticketed passenger has paid for the right to be on the ship. Therefore, only the characterization of an unauthorized individual hiding on board aligns with the definition of a stowaway.