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.