The South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) participated in the Marine Pollution Plenary session held in Durban on 25 -27 May 2026.
The plenary, led by the Department of Transport intended to shape a robust regulatory framework that safeguards our marine environment, supports sustainable maritime operations and accelerate us towards vision 2030.
The session further envisioned to advance the development of regulatory enablers for the:
– Marine Oil Pollution (Preparedness, Response and Cooperation) Act 2005 (Act No, 8 of 2025); and
– Marine Pollution (Prevention of Pollution from Ships) Amendment Act, 36 of 2024.
The session was further split into two breakaway groups to improve and provide input on the drafting of regulations for MARPOL Annex IV – Prevention of pollution by Sewage from ships, Annex VI – Prevention of Air pollution from ships; and Marine Oil Pollution Preparedness Response and Cooperation Act.
SAMSA was represented by the Executive for Policy, Legal and Regulations : Mr Boetse Ramahlo, Acting Chief Operations Officer: Mr Thandimfundo Mehlo, Sea Watch and Response – Senior Manager for Navigation: Capt Ravi Naicker, Principal Officer for the Port of Ngqura: Capt lan Renders, South Africa’s Ship Registrar: Mr Lufuno Mudau, Senior Technical Manager: Capt Winston Lobo, and Eastern Regional Manager: Capt Tobela Gqabu,
SAMSA, as South Africa’s maritime safety authority is passionate about driving the regulatory oversight that will help strengthen the country’s maritime operations and aid in the prevention and response to marine pollution