The South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) is pleased to introduce the SAMSA Online Services, our new service-centred system that digitalises and simplifies services for SAMSA stakeholders!

This is the continuation of the SAMSA Digital Transformation Strategy that aims to deliver efficient, effective and secure digital services to better the service delivery to our users.

The system will be rolled out in phases starting with the Seafarer Services module, with other additions that will be introduced later in the year.

The first phase of the Seafarer Services system will consist of online applications for level 3 assessment (L3A, or, Orals) for the 5 certificates listed below:
  Officer in charge of a navigational watch – STCW Reg II/1
  Chief Mate (<3000GT) – STCW Reg II/2
  Master (<3000GT) – STCW Reg II/2
  Chief Mate – STCW Reg II/2
  Master – STCW Reg II/2

The Seafarer Services system will allow seafarers to apply for the above-mentioned certificates digitally, by use of a user-friendly interface, that will grant users transparency through real-time application status updates.

The new system is intended to address the administrative burden on the SAMSA employees and improve service delivery turnaround.

The next phase of the project will include adding the outstanding 30 certificates which are subject to the L3A process. This phase will be followed by adding the certificates of proficiency, radio, revalidations and certificate of equivalence towards the end of the year. Other seafarer documents, such as seafarer record books, will be added to the portal as well.

The Online Services has been integrated into the SAMSA website for ease of access and can be found on the SAMSA website by clicking on the Services Tab on the menu bar, and then clicking on Online Services. The direct link to the system is as follows https://applications.samsa.org.za

A User guide has been uploaded to assist seafarers in navigating the system and can be found on the login screen. A query form is also available on the website for all support-related requests  and can be found here https://www.samsa.org.za/contact-us?section=query-form  

This new development is a testament of SAMSA’s promise of enhancing service delivery and overall stakeholder satisfaction.

The South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) has the following Executive Vacancy available at the Pretoria Head Office.

Chief Financial Officer – E2 (Pretoria)

https://bit.ly/4vVtEsT

Please click on the link above for more information and to apply for the position listed

Applications close on Wednesday, 29 July 2026.

Please note that only online applications will be considered.

The South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) is honoured to be participating at the 137th Session of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council in London.

The week-long session began on Monday, 06 July and will conclude on 10 July 2026. The South African delegation is being led by the Deputy Minister of Transport, Hon. Mkhuleko Hlengwa.

The Council is expected to consider several strategic and governance-related matters, which include the implementation of the IMO Strategic Plan.

The IMO Council is the executive organ of the IMO and is responsible for supervising the work of the Organisation between Assembly sessions. South Africa’s participation in the Council session underscores the country’s commitment to advancing a safe, secure, sustainable and efficient maritime sector.

The two-day Stakeholder Engagement Consultation for the Maritime Decarbonisation National Action Plan was successfully concluded after rigorous panel discussions.

The workshop, held in Cape Town, brought together representatives from government, industry, academia, development partners and civil society to contribute towards a shared vision for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the maritime sector while strengthening South Africa’s economic competitiveness and sustainability.

The South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) participated alongside Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) and other key stakeholders in discussions aimed at shaping the future of greener shipping and port operations.

The consultation provided an opportunity to present progress made in developing the National Action Plan while gathering stakeholder input on the policy, regulatory, technical, operational and financial interventions required to support maritime decarbonisation. Participants also explored opportunities and challenges surrounding alternative marine fuels, green shipping corridors, port decarbonisation initiatives and the infrastructure needed to support the transition.

The outcomes of the stakeholder consultation will help inform the final National Action Plan, providing a practical framework to guide the country’s maritime decarbonisation efforts and strengthen the resilience and competitiveness of South Africa’s maritime sector.