TO ALL REGIONAL MANAGERS, PRINCIPAL OFFICERS, SHIP SURVEYORS, NAVAL ARCHITECTS, PORT AUTHORITIES, VESSEL OWNERS AND OPERATORS, VESSEL MANAGERS, SEAFARERS, FISHERS AND OTHER INTERESTED AND AFFECTED PARTIES

The South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) will be holding Stakeholder Consultations on the Draft Maritime Regulations from 26 January 2026 until 26 February 2026 in various locations.

A Marine Information Notice was issued to provide details regarding locations, venues, dates and times for the planned upcoming stakeholder consultations on Draft Merchant Shipping Regulations published in the Government Gazette on 24 December 2025.

The complete Marine Information Notice can be found on the following link https://www.samsa.org.za/api/api/File/view/1aRF2OYJ99y3eORlvTk%2B2Q%3D%3D

The full programme for the session can be found here https://blog.samsa.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/FV-Stakeholder-consultation.pdf

All queries to be directed to Mr Lufuno Mudau at Lmudau@samsa.org.za

The South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) is proud to have witnessed the re-election of South Africa to the IMO Council under Category (C) with the leadership of the Deputy Minister of Transport, Hon Mkhuleko Hlengwa.

Category (C) is dedicated to States that have special interests in maritime transport or navigation and whose election to the Council will ensure the representation of all major geographic areas of the world.

South Africa had previously been a member of the council for 22 years since 1999 but was however out of the council since 2021 after not being re-elected to the council.

It is important to note that South Africa is the only country in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region elected to the IMO Council.

“This position guarantees the voice for the region in the global maritime platform. South Africa’s strategic maritime location, notably the Cape Sea Route also plays a vital role in facilitating maritime traffic, especially when alternative routes such as the Suez Canal are disrupted.” said Hlengwa

Minister Creecy and Deputy Minister Hlengwa expressed their gratitude to all the member states that supported South Africa’s candidature and ultimately voting in favour of the country.

The newly elected Council will meet for its 136th session on Thursday, 04 December and will elect its Chair and Vice-Chair for the next biennium.

It was a busy week in Durban for The South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) as our New CEO, Captain Dennis Mqadi hit the floor running since joining SAMSA. He participated in various committee and EXCO sessions as part of his onboarding programme.

The SAMSA leadership, consisting of Board Members and the Executive Committee were there to welcome him. “We are excited to welcome Captain Mqadi to SAMSA,” said Mr Mahesh Fakir, Chairperson of the SAMSA Board. “His extensive experience and proven leadership in the maritime sector will be invaluable as we continue our mission in ensuring the safety and sustainability of South Africa’s maritime industry.”

Captain Mqadi expressed his enthusiasm for his new role, stating, “I am honoured to join SAMSA at such a pivotal time. I look forward to working with the team to advance our strategic goals and enhance our impact on the maritime industry.”

SAMSA is very pleased to have onboard a seasoned maritime professional ready to steer the organisation towards new horizons with vision, purpose, and steady leadership.

The South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Captain Dennis Mqadi as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective 1 November, 2025.

This appointment marks the end of an extended vacancy in the position, and SAMSA is confident that Capt. Mqadi will lead the organisation with distinction and vision.

Capt. Mqadi brings a wealth of experience to SAMSA, having served in various strategic roles within the maritime industry. Most recently, he was the Port Manager at the Port of Richards Bay, where he excelled in overseeing key operational and regulatory functions. His tenure with the Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) since 1997 has equipped him with extensive expertise in port management and regulatory oversight.

Throughout his career, Capt. Mqadi has demonstrated exceptional leadership and a commitment to innovation and safety in maritime operations. His notable accomplishments include managing strategic projects and enhancing operational structures at several major South African ports.

Capt. Mqadi holds a Master of Business Administration from the Milpark Business School, a Post Graduate Diploma in Leadership from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, and a National Ports Diploma from North Kent College (United Kingdom), among other qualifications.

His academic and professional background underscores his suitability in steering SAMSA towards achieving its strategic objectives.

It is with great pride and excitement that we announce the launch of the revamped, refreshed, and redefined SAMSA website, a bold step forward in our journey to becoming a Model Maritime Safety Authority.

It took months of dedication, creativity, and teamwork across all SAMSA units to create. The new website embraces the rapid evolution of technology that will allow it to be accessible, easy to use, and most of all assist our stakeholders, including seafarers, fishers and the larger maritime fraternity in getting the information they need.

This is one of the first of many visible changes we will see this year as SAMSA continues to readjust and reposition itself-not only for efficiency, but for ergonomic excellence. It is a symbol of our commitment to innovation, accessibility, and stakeholder-centric service.

Go to https://www.samsa.org.za/ and join us as we usher in the new digital face of SAMSA and steer Towards a Model Maritime Safety Authority!

Seafarers spend long stretches isolated at sea, away from loved ones. That’s why safe, welcoming shore-based seafarer facilities matter.

Recently, SAMSA visited the Richards Bay Seafarers Centre and the Durban Seafarers Mission that are spaces meant to be a home away from home for seafarers which offer much more than just rest – they provide connection, comfort, and community. These centres are equipped with chapels and prayer rooms to game rooms and spaces for outdoor activities.

These facilities serve all seafarers – regardless of nationality or religion with open hearts and open doors.

The SAMSA team who visited the Richards Bay Seafarers Centre comprised of Mr Sibusiso Rantsoabe (Manager: OHS & Maritime Welfare Manager), Ms Nonhlanhla Mjweni (Marine OHS Specialist) and Mr Thibedi Mbaya (Maritime Welfare Officer). They were welcomed at the centre by Ms Wilma Thompson and Port Chaplain Mark Classen.

Mr Rantsoabe and Mr Mbaya went on to visit the Durban Seafarers Mission and were welcomed by the Mission’s Manager Mr Brian Isaac, Resident Chaplain Wayne Meyer and Port Chaplain Dr Forbes Maupa.

Productive conversations during these visits focused on:
– Strengthening welfare offerings
– Navigating future demands
– Legislative updates & funding
– Deepening collaboration with dedicated chaplains and volunteers

SAMSA celebrates the vital role these missions play and the passionate teams behind them. We remain committed to expanding and sustaining seafarer welfare facilities across all South African ports.

#SeafarerWelfare #SAMSA #SAMSAAtWork #MaritimeSupport #SafeSpaceforSeafarers #TogetherForSeafarers The Mission to Seafarers

This year, the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) decided to shake things up a bit and get SAMSA staff involved in packing meal packs for communities in need in line with the theme “It is in your hands”, which reminds us that combating poverty and inequity is everyone’s responsibility!

The fun filled SAMSA staff activation demonstrates how our employees, who are the heart of the entity, contribute to meaningful social change.

We are proud to have partnered with Rise Against Hunger, an NGO that specialises in food aid programs. This partnership reflects the true spirit of collective responsibility, demonstrating how strategic collaborations can lead to lasting community impact.

Make Every Day A Mandela Day!

The conference held in Pretoria takes place from Monday 7 to Wednesday 09 July 2025 at the CSIR International Convention Centre, Pretoria, South Africa.

This year’s theme “Mobility solutions to southern African challenges” will engage all stakeholders involved in the transport sector on solutions to providing optimum, effective, and efficient transport solutions to improve service delivery to better respond as a sector, to the needs of all users of our transport systems.

The Transport Minister, Honourable Barbara Creecy delivered the opening address which focussed on the Department of Transport’s agenda to transform passenger and freight transport in South Africa – with the aim of driving economic growth, creating jobs, and improving road safety.

The SAMSA board chairperson, Mr Mahesh Fakir was also present at the opening of this year’s SATC conference. SAMSA will also be chairing a dedicated maritime session on Wednesday, on 09 July 2025 focused on maritime decarbonisation, aligning with the 2023 IMO Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Strategy and the recently approved IMO Net-Zero Framework during MEPC 83.

Please click on the following link should you wish to join us for the virtual session for the Maritime Session on Wednesday https://www.satc.online/session-3d-maritime

On 25 June 2025, the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) proudly joined the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the whole maritime fraternity in celebrating the International Day of the Seafarer in Cape Town, at the Makers Landing.

This annual observance, designated by the United Nations (UN) honours the indispensable role of seafarers in sustaining global trade, security, and the movement of essential goods.

This year’s theme, “My Harassment Free Ship,” resonates deeply. It calls for urgent action to eliminate harassment and discrimination at sea, and to foster safe, respectful, and inclusive working environments for all maritime professionals.

The SAMSA event brought together seafarers, cadets, industry leaders, stakeholders, maritime institutions, high school pupils, exhibitors and government representatives in a show of solidarity and shared commitment to improving life onboard.

Through its Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) office, SAMSA continues to lead impactful initiatives – ranging from gender-based violence (GBV) awareness campaigns to training workshops and confidential reporting mechanisms – ensuring that every individual working in South African waters, including the men and women who work at the ports to repair ships and load or offload cargo from ships feels seen, heard, and protected.

The event included a panel discussion that tackled crucial issues such as mental and emotional wellness at sea, and the importance of psychological support for seafarers working in isolated and high-pressure environments.

SAMSA takes seriously the task of contributing to building a maritime sector where safety is human-centered, and leaves no place for harassment. As we navigate a future of expanding trade, technological change, and climate challenges, let us remain anchored in one unwavering principle: Respect for the Seafarer.

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