As the maritime sector faces rapid transformation, SAMSA believes that strengthening partnerships is key to navigating the future. SAMSA is delighted to share the launch of its Maritime Business-to-Business Engagement Sessions scheduled for March 2026. The sessions will be led by its Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Captain Dennis Mqadi.

The sessions aim to foster open dialogue, discuss emerging trends and identify opportunities for mutual growth.  The interfaces will focus on creating formal engagements between SAMSA and the private sector stakeholders across the various provinces in the country. 

The sessions aim to foster collaboration and address the high-level challenges in the maritime sector. SAMSA believes the sessions will help enhance regulatory clarity, improve compliance, promote investment confidence, and support inclusive growth within the maritime value chain.

Information on the dates and locations of the sessions will be shared in due time. SAMSA looks forward to building strategic partnerships to support the maritime sector as it evolves and grows.

The annual IMO International day of the Seafarer will once again be commemorated on Wednesday, 25 June 2024 in 3 cities in South Africa, with the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) hosting the Cape Town event.

This event provides an opportunity to celebrate and honour the vital contributions of seafarers to the global economy and maritime sector, while also raising awareness about their rights and welfare.

This year’s theme, “My Harassment-Free Ship,” is a bold call to action to foster a maritime culture of respect, dignity, and zero tolerance for bullying and harassment.

Day of the Seafarer 2025 is more than a celebration, it’s a commitment to ensuring every seafarer feels safe, valued, and empowered at sea. The 2025 Campaign will see the launch of an Interactive World Map, a powerful tool designed to support seafarers worldwide. This innovative resource provides flag state-specific information on policies, support networks, and reporting mechanisms, empowering seafarers to address harassment with confidence, no matter where they are.

Seafarers and the larger maritime community in Cape Town and surrounding areas who are interested in joining us for the event should do so by sending us a DM.

Please note that SAMSA will only be able to accommodate a few people due to the limited space available.

At the forefront of Africa’s Ocean advocacy, South Africa’s Mbalenhle Golding, Acting CEO of the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA), delivered a compelling call to action at the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) high-level event, “Sustainable Shipping: Our Ocean – Our Obligation – Our Opportunity”, held during the United Nations Oceans Conference.

Ms Golding highlighted the most pressing and often overlooked threats to marine ecosystems: Underwater Radiated Noise (URN). Her message was clear, safeguarding our oceans is not merely an environmental concern, but a socio-economic imperative for the continent and the world.

“URN is not just an environmental issue – it’s a socio-economic one, impacting marine life and the livelihoods of coastal communities.” – Mbalenhle Golding

Key Announcements from SAMSA:

– Draft URN Regulations Published: The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment has released draft regulations for public comments, addressing URN under the environmental management of offshore bunkering, pursuant to the National Environmental Management: Integrated Coastal Management Act, 2008 (Act No. 24 of 2008).

– Comprehensive National EIA on URN: A National Environmental Impact Assessment will be commissioned to fully assess URN’s impact on South Africa’s marine ecosystems.

– National Task Force on URN Established: South Africa has formally set up a dedicated task force to coordinate national responses and research efforts on URN.

– Call for Global Investment in GloNoise Partnership: SAMSA urges international stakeholders to invest in the IMO-led GloNoise Partnership to support innovative solutions to underwater noise pollution.

The South African Maritime Safety Authority’s (SAMSA) Acting Chief Executive Officer, Ms Mbalenhle Golding participated in the UN Oceans Conference as a distinguished panellist in Nice, France, on 11 June 2025!

IMO, France & Costa Rica with FAO & UNDP led the side event titled: “Sustainable Shipping: Our ocean | Our obligation | Our opportunity”!

The robust discussions focussed on ocean governance, decarbonization and a greener future! This engagement is a significant contribution to the global discourse on sustainable maritime practices, marine ecosystem preservation, and the advancement of an inclusive blue economy.

Ms. Golding was joined by Mr. Malibongwe Ndlozi and Mr. Skhumbuzo Bhengu, forming part of the official South African delegation. South Africa remains unwavering in its dedication to responsible ocean governance and environmental stewardship within the maritime sector.

As part of its ongoing implementation of the Inland Waters Strategy, the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) recently rolled out a focused Gatekeeper workshop for officials stationed at Eagle Waters Wildlife Resort in Harties on the 8 to 9 April 2025. The training was facilitated by SAMSA Boating Unit represented by Mr. Vusi Dube and Mr. Tendani Rodney Mukhithi, with critical support from Mrs. Sylvia Arendse from the Certification Unit.

The Gatekeeper workshop forms part of SAMSA’s broader inland waters safety strategy, emphasising that safety protocols begin long before a vessel hits the water. The gatekeeper concept introduces a structured approach to vessel inspections and operational readiness at the access control points of launching facilities. It empowers ground-level officials with the critical knowledge and skills to ensure that only compliant and seaworthy vessels are granted access to the water.

By upskilling the Eagle Waters team, SAMSA is reinforcing the importance of front-line safety enforcement.

The Gatekeeper workshop trained Eagle Waters officials to perform essential safety checks, validate vessel documentation, and verify compliance before granting access to the water. By placing trained personnel at the “gate,” SAMSA is empowering agencies to intercept potential risks early, thereby preventing unsafe practices and reducing incidents on the water.

As these training courses continue, they will help build a stronger foundation for safe boating practices and better regulatory enforcement. The collective efforts of all involved contribute to ensuring that South Africa’s waterways remain safe for everyone.

The second day of the initiative culminated in a successful safety awareness campaign at Hartbeespoort Dam (Harties Dam), which saw enthusiastic engagement from the boating community. Boaters, families, and members of the public were educated on personal safety practices and the importance of licensing and vessel maintenance.

The combination of training and community outreach demonstrates SAMSA’s commitment to building sustainable partnerships with local authorities, while reinforcing national water safety goals through the Inland Water Strategy. The Gatekeeper concept, now being adopted at key sites across the country, is a practical and impactful tool for making South Africa’s inland waters safer for all users.

The 5th Special Tripartite Committee (STC) of the MLC, 2006, convened at the ILO Headquarters in Geneva on 07 – 11 April 20025. South Africa was represented by the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) by Azwimmbavhi Nelwamondo (Chief Examiner) and Mr Sibusiso Rantsoabe (Manager: OHS & Maritime Welfare) and virtually by Mr Mabuse Moagi (Senior Examiner – Engine).

The Meeting of the STC established under the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC, 2006) serves to review and propose amendments to the convention’s standards, ensuring they remain relevant to the evolving maritime industry. Its primary purpose is to facilitate collaboration between governments, employers, and workers to improve the working conditions of seafarers globally.

The 5^th STC MLC, 2006 was notably enhanced by the inclusion of proposals for discussion, such as the designation of seafarers as “key workers.” Additionally, there was a focus on the protection of human rights for female seafarers and other “vulnerable groups.” Provisions were adopted to ensure their shipboard needs are met and to provide protection against issues of violence and harassment, including sexual harassment, bullying, and sexual assault.

The topic on prevention of violence and harassment, including sexual harassment, bullying and sexual assault is very close to the South African delegation as this was part of the outcomes of the GBV at sea Seminar held in 2022 and forms part of the strategy of the SAMSA GBV at sea programme.  In total there were 16 proposals up for discussion at the meeting.

There were other important proposals that also enriches the MLC and mostly drawing from the experience gained during the Covid 19 pandemic. The agenda for the meeting was very rich and resulted in long hours of 09h00 – 22h00 daily. A significant amount was accomplished in just one week, thanks to the outstanding leadership of the committee and the collaborative efforts of the government and the social partners. On Friday 11 April 2025 all proposals that made it into voting were adopted.

The complete texts of amendments that were adopted can be found here.

South Africa is acknowledged as one of the countries that produces a high number of female seafarers. It was important to establish an instrument at international level that protects them since they are mostly working in international waters. This amendment also provides more power to Flag States administration like SAMSA to deal with these cases.

The Minister of Transport, Hon. Barbara Creecy directed the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) to conduct safety inspections of all South African commercial fishing vessels operating in South African waters.

This comes after serious fishing incidents that occurred in South Africa’s waters in 2024 that resulted in the tragic loss of eighteen (18) fishers’ lives. These Fishing Vessel Safety Audits will be conducted over a four-month period and will cover all major fishing ports across South Africa with the first phase beginning at the Port of Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha) from 3 to 7 March 2025.

The launch event, held in Gqeberha on Wednesday, 5 March 2025 was attended by the SAMSA Board Chairperson, Mr Mahesh Fakir, the Deputy Chairperson, Mr Tau Morwe and Acting CEO, Ms Mbalenhle Golding, reflecting the Authority’s commitment to improving maritime safety. The launch also received substantial media coverage, highlighting the importance of the initiative.

The SAMSA audit team began inspections in Port Elizabeth engaging with vessel owners, crew members, and industry representatives to assess compliance, identify risks, and evaluate emergency preparedness. The audit will continue in Gqeberha throughout this week before moving to other ports in the coming months.

SAMSA Acting CEO Mbalenhle Golding emphasised the importance of the initiative, stating: “SAMSA remains committed to protecting lives, property, and the marine environment by ensuring that South Africa’s fishing industry adheres to the highest safety standards. The audits play a vital role in shaping a robust Fishing Vessel Safety Improvement Plan, aimed at preventing future maritime incidents.”

SAMSA encouraged all fishing vessel operators to cooperate fully with the audit teams and actively participate in this essential safety initiative.

As part of this initiative, SAMSA has issued Marine Information Notice No. 6 of 2025, (dated 7 February 2025) informing the fishing industry about the upcoming safety audits and urging all vessel operators to participate in this critical exercise. The complete marine notice can be found here

SAMSA remains committed to protecting lives, property, and the marine environment by ensuring that South Africa’s fishing industry adheres to the highest safety standards. The audits will play a vital role in shaping a robust Fishing Vessel Safety Improvement Plan, aimed at preventing future maritime incidents.

All relevant stakeholders are encouraged to engage with their audit teams and support this initiative to build a safer and more resilient maritime sector.