South African Maritime Safety Authority

South African Maritime Safety Authority
Agency overview
Formed	1 April 1998; 26 years ago
Jurisdiction	South African exclusive economic zone
Headquarters	146 Lunnon Road, Hillcrest, Pretoria
Annual budget	R 590.8 million (2023/24)
Parent department	Department of Transport
Website	https://www.samsa.org.za

The South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) is a South African government agency responsible for the implementation of current international and national regulations regarding the maritime industry as well as upon all recreational marine vessels within its jurisdiction.^[1]

It is mandated in ensuring the safety of life and property at sea, preventing and combating of pollution of the marine environment by ships and promotion of the Republic’s maritime interests.

It was established on 1 April 1998 as a result of the South African Maritime Safety Authority Act 5 of 1998.^[1]

Overview of services

On behalf of Government:^[2]

Advise Government on maritime issues relating to or affecting South Africa
Administer current legislation & policies, submit additional proposals thereon as & when required so as to flag State Implementation
Represent South Africa at international forums, liaise with foreign governments & other International institutions on behalf of South African Government
On behalf of the Minister of Transport liaise with other South African institutions & various State Departments
Administration of government maritime contracts
Provide a maritime Search and Rescue (SAR) capability within the South African area of responsibility - via the management (on behalf of DOT) of the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC)
Conduct Accident investigations and provide Emergency Casualty Response
Control of State Ports, including management of the DOT contracted pollution prevention and response capability

To Maritime Industry (Local & International)

Conduct Statutory surveys and issue Safety certification of vessels
Certification of Seafarers
Provide Assistance and advice on maritime legislation
Provide advice & grant approval in construction and refitting of vessels, including the evaluation & approval of fittings & equipment used.
Consultancy to industry on technical matters, safety and qualifications

To Stakeholders

Safety equipment approval
Port State Control Inspections
Inspections of ships and cargoes of timber, grain and hazardous goods
Accreditation of maritime training institutions and maritime training programmes
Monitoring of South African seafarers’ welfare and conditions of service
Provision of maritime safety information to shipping & ensuring a reliable radio service
Ensuring that navigational aids are in place around the South African coastline
Assimilation and maintenance of shipping information and statistics

It is subordinate to the Minister of Transport, who heads the Department of Transport. Despite it being a marine authority, its head office is located in Pretoria, at least 500 km away from the nearest ocean.^[3]

SAMSA administers the South African ship register.^[4]

History

In July 2012 the authority acquired the former Antarctic supply vessel S. A. Agulhas as a training ship.^[5]

References

^ ^a ^b "About Us". SAMSA. 1 April 1998. Archived from the original on 20 July 2012. Retrieved 17 July 2012.
^ "Overview of Services". SAMSA. 1 April 1998. Retrieved 15 January 2014.
^ "Contact Us". SAMSA. Archived from the original on 27 July 2012. Retrieved 17 July 2012.
^ "Only foreign ships transport SA's exports". Mail & Guardian. SAPA. 1 October 2013. Archived from the original on 22 January 2014. Retrieved 22 September 2014.
^ "SA Agulhas now a training vessel". DefenceWeb. 5 July 2012. Retrieved 17 July 2012.