The South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) with the support of the Department of Transport (DoT) hosted a two-day Hazardous and Noxious Substances (HNS) Contingency Plan workshop on 23 and 24 April 2026 in Cape Town.
Hazardous and Noxious Substances (HNS) are materials that, if accidentally released into the marine environment, can pose serious risks to human health, ecosystems, and maritime activities. With the growing volume of international trade and the frequent transport of chemical products by sea, the likelihood of HNS incidents has increased. Such emergencies require rapid, coordinated, and well-prepared responses to minimize environmental damage and protect public safety. Therefore, having a comprehensive HNS Contingency Plan is essential. It provides a structured framework for prevention, preparedness, and response, defining clear roles, communication procedures, and resource allocation among all relevant authorities and stakeholders.
The International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) is the main international convention covering prevention of pollution of the marine environment by ships from operational or accidental causes. Domestically, the Constitution (Act No. 108 of 1996: Section 24 of the Bill of Rights): provides that everyone has a right to an environment that is not harmful to their health or well-being and to have the environment protected for the benefit of the present and future generations through reasonable legislative and other measures.
The government has a legal obligation to protect the environment through the development and the implementation of the Plan to fulfil this obligation amongst other statutory legislative measures put in place. These rights and obligations are embedded in the supreme law in South Africa, which is the Constitution and affords every citizen access to petition a competent court of law to hear the matter and enforce their rights or perceived violations.
This workshop on HNS Contingency Planning is key in ensuring that South Africa enhances its national capacities for preparedness and response to incidents involving Hazardous and Noxious Substances (HNS).