Sharing news and information on South Africa's maritime economic sector
Author: South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA)
The South African Maritime SafetyAuthority (SAMSA) was established on the 1st April 1998 under the SAMSA Act 5 of 1998.
The objectives of the Authority are-
To ensure safety of life and property at sea;
To prevent and combat pollution from ships in the marine environment; and
To promote the Republic’s maritime interests.
The South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) recently visited the Department of Marine Engineering at the Nelson Mandela University in Gqeberha.
SAMSA CEO, Captain Dennis Mqadi, and members of the EXCO met with Dr Howard Theunissen, Head of Department, for marine engineering as well as other members from the faculty.
SAMSA, looks forward to having such meaningful conversations, collaborating and building strategic partnerships that will help support the maritime sector as it evolves and grows.
This is a continuation of our ongoing stakeholder engagement programme.
As part of our ongoing stakeholder engagement programme, the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) met with key environmental organisations in Gqeberha on Monday, 08 June 2026.
The session was led by the SAMSA CEO, Captain Dennis Mqadi with the support of the members of the EXCO and senior SAMSA officials.
SAMSA appreciates the continued partnership and looks forward to strengthening these relationships as we collectively advance our environmental stewardship.
World Oceans Day on 8 June encourages organisations across the globe to come together to protect one of the world’s most important resources – the blue planet.
This year’s theme, Strong Marine Protected Areas for Our Blue Planet, aims to guide global action in protecting the ocean. The South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) takes protecting the ocean seriously considering its importance in supporting shipping and maritime trade.
South Africa is proudly one of the countries that recently ratified the High Seas Treaty that officially entered into force in January 2026. This important treaty, formally known as the Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ), is a landmark global accord to protect marine life in the high seas and the deep seabed (the areas of the ocean that lie beyond any country’s national jurisdiction).
It is important to note that ocean waters regulate the climate, support extraordinary biodiversity, sustain livelihoods, and hold untapped scientific and medical potential. Creating strongly regulated Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) is essential to turning global commitments into real actionable outcomes.
As a member state of the International Maritime Organization, we heed the call to continuously implement the measures and regulations necessary to protect the marine environment from the effects of shipping, including pollution from oil and other waste from ships as well as underwater radiated noise.
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
On 18 May 2026, we joined the maritime community in marking International Day for Women in Maritime.
We marked the day with a heartwarming video featuring women from all walks in our entity, including our Chief Executive Officer, Captain Dennis Mqadi and Executive for Corporate Affairs and International Relations Dr Thuli Mbuli (MBA) PhD who joined in to give their message of support.
This year’s theme “From Policy to Practice: Advancing Gender Equality for Maritime Excellence” puts a spotlight on the various roles that in the maritime sector play and in the next few days we will share short stories from the various women who make SAMSA’s ship sail.
We are focusing on the fact that “Women can be anything they want to be” and how advancing gender equality creates space for women to thrive in the sector.
Join us on this journey as we put a spotlight on the SAMSA women and the impact they make at policy level, in the office space or from working aboard at sea!
A spotlight on Captain Antoinette Keller, South Africa’s First Female Master Mariner!
Captain Keller’s journey in the sector began with a cadetship and progressed to an inspiring career at sea. She mentioned that the journey was not easy as the industry was not designed with women in mind.
Captain Keller is currently Principal Officer at SAMSA’s Cape Town office, where she plays a key role in helping to shape the standards that govern the industry.
With a career spanning more than three decades across operational shipping, technical management, and regulatory oversight, it is clear to see that women can thrive in a sector that is inclusive, fair, and ready to advance gender equality!
In her words, “the future of maritime will depend on whether the industry is prepared to evolve beyond its existing structures and take responsibility for the people it relies on.”
Women are an integral part of the maritime sector. We show that with the story of Ms Lindiwe Mawowa, South Africa’s Deputy Registrar of Seafarers, based at the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA)
Growing up in Durban, Lindiwe has always been fascinated by the sea, ships, and the activities at the Port of Durban. Her interest in maritime grew further after learning about opportunities for young women in the industry, which inspired her to pursue a career in the sector.
Her academic journey includes a National Diploma in Maritime Studies, a Postgraduate Diploma in Maritime Studies, and a Master of Commerce in Maritime Studies. These qualifications provided her with both the technical and strategic understanding of the maritime industry and prepared her for the various roles she would later undertake.
Lindiwe was herself once a seafarer whose career began with cadetship training at sea, where she gained practical onboard experience and qualified as a Navigation Officer. She sailed in different ranks up to the position of Second Navigation Officer, gaining valuable operational experience and exposure to the realities of working at sea which included sailing to the Antarctica (Ice Navigation). She also worked as a trainee tug master, which further broadened her understanding of port and vessel operations.
She thereafter joined SAMSA as a Ship Surveyor before moving to the Department of Transport, where she served as Deputy Director: Maritime Industry Development. In that role, she contributed to initiatives aimed at supporting and developing the maritime sector in South Africa. She later rejoined SAMSA and currently serves as the Deputy Registrar of Seafarers.
One of the recurring challenges she experienced has been overcoming the perceptions about competence based on gender or stature especially in an industry that has traditionally been male dominated. One of the major challenges in the Office of the Registrar of Seafarers that serves the entire country is the significant expectations regarding service delivery and turnaround times which relies heavily on the need for faster technological advancement and modernisation of systems to improve efficiency and better serve seafarers and stakeholders.
Lindiwe is very passionate about the maritime industry and the role it plays in economic growth, international trade, and creating opportunities for South Africans. I strongly believe that women deserve equal opportunities within the maritime sector and that inclusion is essential for the growth and sustainability of the industry. I hope that my journey can inspire more young women to pursue careers in maritime and to believe that they belong in spaces where they can lead, grow, and make a lasting impact!
Human Capital is the foundation and heart of each organisation. It takes care of our people and is the very engine that keeps organisations running, and today we focus on Ashmika Moonaisur, the SAMSA Human Capital Remunerations Specialist.
Ashmika was drawn to SAMSA by the desire to grow within an industry that is dynamic, diverse, that also plays such an important role in the economy. She joined the organisation as a temporary employee in June 2014, and in 2016, was transferred to SAMSA’s payroll. Her journey has since been both rewarding and fulfilling.
Having spent 12 years with the organisation, she has gained valuable experience, grown professionally, and has had the privilege of working with diverse teams and stakeholders. Her journey has been truly meaningful, she mentions how she will forever be grateful for the opportunities the organisation has provided her with, to learn, contribute, and develop her career within the maritime sector.
Working at SAMSA is both challenging and rewarding. The sector operates in a unique and highly specialised environment, which makes remuneration an important strategic function in attracting, motivating, and retaining skilled employees. It is fulfilling to know that the work done in remuneration contributes directly to employee wellbeing, fairness, and organisational stability. The role requires balancing organisational objectives with employee expectations while ensuring compliance with policies, legislation, and industry practices. This creates an environment that is dynamic and continuously evolving. From salary structuring and benefits administration to benchmarking and acting allowance calculations, every aspect of the role contributes towards ensuring equity and supporting organisational performance.
The maritime industry, like many other sectors, benefits from diversity, inclusion, and equal representation, and women have continuously demonstrated that they can contribute meaningfully across operational, technical, leadership, and support functions. Providing equal opportunities allows organisations to access a broader talent pool, diverse perspectives, and innovative ideas that strengthen decision-making and organisational performance. Women bring valuable skills, experience, resilience, and leadership qualities that contribute to the growth and sustainability of the sector. Equal opportunities also promote fairness and empowerment.
Women should have the same access to recruitment, development, training, promotions, leadership positions, and remuneration as their male counterparts. Creating an inclusive environment encourages professional growth, improves employee morale, and will inspire future generations of women to pursue careers within the maritime industry.
On 18 May 2026, the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) joined the maritime community in marking International Day for Women in Maritime.
We marked the day with a heartwarming video featuring women from all walks in our entity, including our Chief Executive Officer, Captain Dennis Mqadi and Executive for Corporate Affairs and International Relations Dr Thuli Mbuli (MBA) PhD who joined in to give their message of support.
This year’s theme “From Policy to Practice: Advancing Gender Equality for Maritime Excellence” puts a spotlight on the various roles that in the maritime sector play and in the next few days we will share short stories from the various women who make SAMSA’s ship sail.
We are focusing on the fact that “Women can be anything they want to be” and how advancing gender equality creates space for women to thrive in the sector.
Join us on this journey as we put a spotlight on the SAMSA women and the impact they make at policy level, in the office space or from working aboard at sea!
Please wattch the video below featuring SAMSA women and celebrating the different roles that women play in the sector
The workshop held at the Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre, aimed to set a clear path toward faster, more efficient, and lower-cost maritime trade across the Eastern and Southern Africa region.
The implementation of electronic data exchange systems and Maritime Single Window (MSW) platforms plays a crucial role in streamlining processes, reducing administrative burdens, and enhancing port operational efficiency. Despite the progress made under the FAL Convention, challenges persist in the widespread adoption and effective utilization of these tools, including gaps in understanding the processes and lack of technical capacity.
The South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) was represented by Captain Pretty Mbakaza, Head of SAMSA’s Sea Watch and Response Unit CSWR (MRCC).
South Africa is proud to have been part of this progressive workshop that further highlighted how coordinated regional action is key to unlocking the full benefits of digital maritime systems.
In addition to the workshop, Captain Mbakaza also paid a courtesy visit to the MRCC in Dar es Salaam, as one of South Africa’s counterpart on Search and Rescue (SAR) and maritime domain awareness matters in the Indian Ocean region.
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).
The South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) confirms that intensified efforts are underway to manage the maritime safety and environmental risks posed by the wreck of the fishing vessel FV De Fu No. 2, currently located offshore of the Western Cape.
The Taiwanese-flagged fishing vessel was abandoned following a fire incident in September 2025. Recent reports of wreckage sightings along the South African coastline prompted SAMSA, in cooperation with relevant national and international stakeholders, to activate an Incident Management System (IMS) to monitor the situation and mitigate potential risks.
Since the first confirmed sighting on 9 April 2026, a series of navigational warnings have been issued to vessels operating in the area. Ongoing response efforts have been informed by continuous drift modelling, satellite tracking, and visual confirmations by passing vessels and South African naval assets.
The salvage vessel Admiraal de Ruiter was deployed to the wreck and successfully installed marker buoys, fitted an AIS identification system, and secured a towing line. These measures ensured that control of the wreck was maintained while stakeholders within the IMS structure considered the most appropriate course of action.
As the condition of the wreck remained stable following the sighting, it was decided to move the vessel into a protected area off St Helena Bay. This allows for a comprehensive assessment by a specialist dive and salvage team to determine the most suitable method for the wreck’s final disposal.
The wreck has since been secured on an anchor spread, with multiple anchors deployed to prevent movement under forecast weather and sea conditions. The salvage vessel Sea Carrier remains on site and is fully equipped with diving support and pollution response capabilities.
SAMSA confirms that:
The wreck has been positively identified and remains under the control of the salvage vessels and team.
No pollution has been detected to date, and environmental monitoring continues.
The wreck has been fitted with AIS and GPS tracking buoys to enable continuous location monitoring.
Salvage and towage operations are being coordinated by the vessel’s Protection and Indemnity (P&I) insurers in close consultation with SAMSA and relevant authorities.
SAMSA, together with the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), the South African Navy, the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC), and other partners, continue to prioritise:
Maritime safety
Protection of the marine environment
The safe and responsible resolution of the operation
Further updates will be provided as the situation develops or when key operational milestones are reached.
Issued by: South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA)
It is important to note that these sessions were designed with our stakeholders in mind so that SAMSA could listen, understand the key challenges and to start crafting solutions to help serve you better and ensure that you receive what you need from us more timeously.
In case you missed it, here is a quick recap of all the 8 Maritime Business-to-Business Stakeholder Sessions that were held:
The sessions began in Saldanha Bay on 03 March 2026, then moved on to Cape Town, Mossel Bay, Richards Bay, Durban, East London, Port Elizabeth and finally to Pretoria on Tuesday, 07 April 2026.
The message throughout the sessions is very clear, all of our stakeholders and regions are important – whether you are a small or large business, located near a large or small port or are focussed on smaller inland waterways such as dams.
You will be pleased to learn that SAMSA, under the leadership of Captain Dennis Mqadi is already doing a lot of work in the background like the inclusion of new digitalised systems that the stakeholders who joined us for the Pretoria session were invited to test.
We are grateful to all those who took time out of their diaries to come and have a conversation with us, and look forward to building strategic partnerships to support the maritime sector as it evolves and grows.
