31.   He added that members of the public, who will be able to board the vessels from Thursday, will be charged a fee for the ferry services.

32.   Heavily-armed pirates forcibly board vessels ranging from small pleasure craft to large tankers, stealing their cargo and other equipment.

33.   Howard said a request made to Indonesian authorities to board the vessel while in Indonesian waters was turned down.

34.   If coastal nations abuse rights when boarding a vessel, the treaty allows flag states to seek compensation, he said.

35.   However, in the chaos of the evacuation, many refugees have complained that both troops and police officers were demanding payment for allowing people to board the vessels.

36.   In Pointe Noire, Congo, officials were uncertain up to the last minute whether Mobutu would board the South African naval vessel, the SAS Outeniqua.

37.   Italian sailors boarded the vessel, dropped anchor and evacuated the passengers.

38.   Members of the treaty or regional groups could board vessels to check for violations such as the deliberate underreporting of catches.

39.   Mexican and American officials boarding the vessel found nearly everyone onboard suffering from severe dehydration and sleep depravation.

40.   Relief officials were allowed to board the vessel with the first food, water and medical supplies.