The skipper of a small sailing vessel that went aground at the weekend after it took water following a reported collision with an object at sea near the Wild Coast has been praised for his alertness and ‘distress preparedness’ which led to the successful evacuation of all four sailors.
The South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA ) Centre for Sea Watch & Response located Maritime Rescue Coordinating Centre (MRCC) in Cape Town says the incident occured on Friday evening while the small sailing vessel, named Tipsy; was sailing in the Indian Ocean along the Wild Coast.
“MRCC Cape Town was notified at 19:15 on 24 May 2024 by Telkom Maritime Radio of a MAYDAY call from the sailing vessel (SV) TIPSY while on listening watch.The SV reported to have hit a submerged object, and the craft was sinking fast.
“The skipper reported that the four (4) persons onboard were abandoning to life raft and had activated the Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB). The incident position was reported to be 500 meters east from Rame Head on the Wild Coast.
“Following a MAYDAY Relay broadcasted by Telkom Maritime Radio, as requested by the MRCC, SV ZING had diverted to assist from a position approximately 03 hours from the distress position. NSRI Port Edward had also launched to assist and was approximately 2.5 hours from the distress position.
“MRCC Cape Town was notified during the early hours of 25 May that NSRI Port Edward had recovered all four (4) persons from the life raft and were returning to Port Edward. No injuries were reported.
“It was also reported that the TIPSY did not sink, it ran aground on a sand bank. The necessary Coastal Navigation Warning was issued by the Hydrographer.
“Three (3) of the persons received hypothermia treatment in an ambulance after they arrived at Port Edward.
“MRCC Cape expresses appreciation for the efforts of SV ZING, NRSI EOC and Station 32 (Port Edward), Port Edward EMS, and Telkom Maritime Radio for their contributions to the successful outcome of this SAR response. The distress preparedness of the SV TIPSY Skipper is commendable as are their actions in contributing to their rescue,” said the MRCC Cape Town.
A search and rescue operation for 11 crew members of a sunken fishing trawler in the Atlantic Ocean about 34 nautial miles from the nearest coastal land area has been called off, with an investigation of the incident now underway, says the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA)
According to a SAMSA statement on Sunday, the search for the missing crew ensued on Friday afternoon after a distress call was received by the Maritime Rescue Coordinating Centre (MRCC) based at the SAMSA Centre for Sea Watch & Response in Cape Town, and during which a fishing trawler, FV Lepanto, reported to have taken water rapidly and was sinking fast.
SAMSA says at the time of the incident, the FV Lepanto, a 35 meters long and 7.5 meters wide fishing trawler registered in South Africa, had a crew of 20 fishermen onboard, and nine (9) of whom were soon located floating at sea nearby, and evacuated to Cape Town.
Soon after the distress call was received by the MRCC and broadcast back to other vessels at sea in the area, a number of vessels nearest to the casualty vessel, at a location of approximately 35 nautical miles in the Atlantic Ocean west of Slangkop Point in the Western Cape, joined the search and rescue operation.
The search continued through the rest of Friday into Saturday, involving at least four assigned fishing vessels in the vicinity, as well as a fixed wing aircraft and a helicopter dispatched from Cape Town. Late on Saturday, debris thought to be from the stricken and sunken trawler was spotted, however sadly, no sight of the missing crew was made, said SAMSA.
SAMSA said: “Following the sinking of the LEPANTO during the late afternoon of 17 May 2024 approximately 34 nautical miles west from Slangkop Point Light in Cape Town, rescue efforts continued for the 11 missing persons.
“The commendable efforts of the fishing vessels on 17 May, in the vicinity of the incident location, resulted in both a life raft recovered – one containing nine (9) survivors; and the other being empty.
“Unfortunately, even with the large number of vessels on-scene, none of the missing persons were found nor any undone life jackets.
“The MRCC Cape Town assigned search and rescue (SAR) patterns to the available craft, attempting to utilise the remaining daylight as best as possible. Unfortunately, no sighting of any of the 11 missing persons or even a life jacket was reported.
“A probable search area was developed by MRCC Cape Town in preparation for a night time search, and search patterns were assigned to the vessels. The MRCC was able to obtain rotor- and fixed wing resources through Aerios Global Aviation (AGA), with each aircraft were assigned a search pattern aligned with the capabilities provided. Unfortunately, no sightings were reported.
“The search continued in the morning of 18 May with a revised search area developed, and search patterns assigned to the vessels on scene. MRCC also tasked the AGA helicopter, which resulted in debris being spotted within the revised search area. The search continued for the remainder of the daytime without any other sighting reports.
“Those vessels remaining in the search area continued with their assigned search patterns until after sunset. A review of the search progression, the search efforts, and the continuous lack of sighting reports from the incident start, and the favourable weather, led the MRCC to conclude the SAR effort.
“MRCC Cape Town expresses its sincere appreciation of efforts and contributions from: Telkom Maritime Radio, South African Maritime Safety Authority, AGA, NSRI, the media, City of Cape Town, Viking Fishing, Sea Harvest, NSRI Stations 01, 03, 08, as well as the numbers of vessels that partook in the operation, namely FVs Lee-Anne, Locqueran, Haverst Florita, Haverst Umzanzi, Armana, Haverst Saldanha, Isabela Marine, Haverst Georgina, Haverst Cap Nord, African Queen, Umlobi, and Haverst Lindiwe.
“The loss of the 11 persons from the LEPANTO is most regrettable. MRCC Cape Town expresses its sincere condolences to the family members, friends, and colleagues of those lost to the sea.
A photo of the South Africa flagged fishing trawler, FV Lepanto that reportedly quickly sank about 34 nautical miles in the Atlantic Ocean west of Slangkop Point on Friday afternoon, with 20 crewmen on board. Nine crewmen were rescued and evacuated while a searh and rescue for the 11 others still missing is currently underway. (Photo: SAMSA)
Pretoria: 18 May 2024
UPDATE 1: (15h40)
Apart from debris found floating at sea by a fishing vessel assisting with a search and rescue operation in the Atlantic Ocean early on Saturday, no sight has yet been made of 11 crew members of the sunken FV Lepanto, reports the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA).
The South Africa flagged fishing trawler, with 20 crewmen on board, reportedly quickly sunk on Friday afternoon at a location some 34 nautical miles west of Slangkop Point. Nine (9) of the crew members were evacuated shortly thereafter and brought to Cape Town, while a search and rescue ensured to find the 11 others still missing, said SAMSA.
SAMSA said the debris spotted on Saturday, was found by one of three fishing vessels that were called upon to assist with the search and rescue of the missing crew members. SAMSA confirmed that the search had also gone airborne early on Saturday, after an aircraft was secured for the SAR.
“A search and rescue operation is currently underway for the remaining 11 persons in the water. Three vessels are involved in the search. All three vessels; FVs Harvest Lindiwe, Haverst Mzansi, Haverst Cape Nord, are on scene and actively searching. The designated search area has been divided into three sections, with each vessel conducting a parallel search pattern within the assigned section.
“An AGA helicopter is assisting with an aerial search. The estimated search duration is 8-10 hours. Debris has been reported in the northern part of the search grid and the Maritime Rescue Coordinating Centre (MRCC) Cape Town is investigating this lead,” said SAMSA.
For more on the story, see the section below.
More updates will be made when available.
A frantic search for about 11 fishermen is underway in the Atlantic Ocean after their vessel, a South Africa registered trawler named VF Lepanto, sunk on Friday with 20 crew on board, the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) reports.
SAMSA says the incident occured while the 35 meters long and 7.5 meters wide vessel was at a location approximately 35 nautical miles west of Slangkop Point in the Western Cape.
A statement by the SAMSA Centre for Sea Watch & Response located Maritime Rescue Coordinating Centre (MRCC) in Cape Town on Friday night said the incident of the casualty occured on Friday afternoon, prompting a search and rescue operation after a distress call from the vessel was received.
Said the MRCC: ” At 15:34 local time, the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) in Cape Town received a distress call notification from regarding the South African-flagged fishing vessel FV Lepanto, reported to be sinking rapidly approximately 34 nautical miles west of Slangkop Point Light.
“The distress call, received by Telkom Maritime Services, prompted an immediate response. Nearby fishing vessels, FV Harvest Mzanzi and FV Armana, responded to the mayday call and proceeded to the scene. FV Armana successfully rescued nine crew members, leaving eleven crew members still unaccounted for.
“The MRCC Cape Town is coordinating the search and rescue (SAR) operation. A MAYDAY broadcast has been issued to request assistance from vessels in the vicinity. Four vessels; the FV Lee-Anne, FV Harvest Saldana, FV Locqueran, and FV Harvest Florita have been alerted and are enroute to assist in the rescue operation.
“The NSRI Emergency Operations Centre has been alerted and is on standby. NSRI Stations 1,3, and 8 responded to the search request
“The MRCC Cape Town and all involved parties are working diligently at searching for the missingcrew. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available,” said the centre, adding that families of the missing seafarers had already been informed of the incident.
Image of the Chinese bulk carrier, M/V Rui Ming involved in a search for one of its crew members believed to have fell overboard in the Indian Ocean in the early hours of Friday. (Photo supplied)
Pretoria: 10 May 2024
UPDATE: 21h00
The search for a seafarer reported to have gone overboard a Chinese bulk carrier some 345 nautical miles in the Indian Ocean, south east of Durban, South Africa; has been called off, the Maritime Rescue Coordinating Centre (MRCC) Cape Town confirmed late on Friday.
This was after a few vessels joined the Chinese bulk carrier, the M/V Rui Ming from which the seafarer reportedly gone overboard was a crew member, assisted with the search to no avail, said the MRCC Cape Town.
Late afternoon on Friday, the MRCC said: “MRCC Cape Town had released all the other vessels, except the MAERSK TAIKUNG, to continue with normal sailing operations after sunset in the search area at approximately 16:30.
“A revised track search plan was provided to the MAERSK TAIKUNG and it was completed by approximately 20:00. Unfortunately, the crewman that had gone overboard was not found.
“MRCC Cape Town released the MAERSK TAIKUNG to continue with normal sailing operations. Our thanks to the vessels that had responded to assist, and to Telkom Maritime Radio for their communication assistance.
” The SAR case is closed.’
End
A search is currently underway in the Indian Ocean for a seafarer reportedly gone overboard at a location approximately 345 nautical miles south east of the city of Durban, South Africa, the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) has reported.
In a report, the Maritime Rescue Coordinating Centre (MRCC) based at the SAMSA Centre for Sea Watch & Response) in Cape Town said the incident came to light early morning on Friday after the interception of a distress call from a Chinese bulk carrier, the M/V Rui Ming; requesting assistance with a search for one of its crew members believed to have gone overboard.
“The South African Search and Rescue Organization’s Maritime Search and Rescue Coordination Centre based in Cape Town (MRCC Cape Town) was notified by Telkom Maritime Radio around 06:00 on 10 May 2024 of a Man Overboard (MOB) reported by the Bulk Carrier RUI NING 21.
“It was established that the person was last seen up to 04 hours before the MOB was reported and it could not be confirmed that he was wearing a life jacket.
“The search area was defined as the track between the position of where the MOB was reported, approximately 665km east-south-east from Durban, and the estimated position of where the person was last seen given that the person could have gone overboard anywhere along that track.
“A request for vessel to divert and assist in the search for the person in water (PIW) was issued by Telkom Maritime Radio as requested by MRCC Cape Town. The motor vessels (MV) MAERSK TAIKUNG and CMA CGM GALAPGOS were requested to divert to search area. The car carrier RORO BESS, in response to the MAYDAY Relay, notified the MRCC that it had diverted to the search and was ready to assist.
“MRCC Cape Town assigned track-line search patterns to each of the four (4) vessels. The weather is forecasted to be wind Northerly up to 24km/h and sea swell of up to 2.5m.
“At present, no sighting of the PIW was reported, and the MRCC is investigating alternate search efforts,” said the MRCC Cape Town.
Ships bunker services provision in South Africa – inclusive of off-shore operations – is well on track, with applications, approvals and issuance of licenses currently being managed expeditiously, the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) has confirmed.
However, according to SAMSA’s Acting CEO, Mr Tau Morwe, operators have to ensure that they are compliant with requirements of SAMSA as well as both the South African Revenue Services (SARS) and the Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA).
Mr Morwe made the confirmation on the status quo of bunkering services in South Africa during a day long maritime sector bunkering services roundtable meeting attended by about 80 people in Durban on Tuesday. (30 April 2024).
Representatives included industry principals, primarily ship owners and agents and some of whom are active bunkering services providers, state officials from Treasury, SARS, the Department of Transport, Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment, TNPA, Ports Regulator South Africa and SAMSA; ship-to-ship services providers and interested or affected parties – among them, environmental groups – as well as delegates from Mauritius, Mozambique and Namibia.
Mr Morwe’s remarks came in the wake of an apparent entrenching confusion or misunderstanding in the country’s maritime sector about the real state of bunkering services provision and administration, this coming in the wake of a clampdown by SARS on certain operators related to taxation issues during the latter part of 2023, as well as a ‘moratorium’ said to have been placed on the issuing of licences.
Flanked by Mr Mahesh Fakir, the chairperson of SAMSA’s Board of Directors, in his closing remarks of the gathering, Mr Morwe stated: “Where SAMSA stands is that applications for off shore bunkering, in terms of Section 21 (1) b (Prevention and Combating of Pollution of the Sea by Oil Act. 1981) is in process. Anyone can make the application.
“The TNPA and SAMSA are agreed on the continued processing of applications. However, in the processing of the applications, we remind applicants that we are not the only regulator, and they (applicants), have to tick the TNPA box, ensure that they are compliant with SARS. If that is in place, there is nothing preventing applicants or operators from conducting business. That is the state of affairs.”
“… there is nothing that says the business (of bunkering) is closed. I repeat, anyone wanting to apply for an operator license may do so. Tick the SARS box, tick the TNPA box!” said Mr Morwe.
For his full remarks, click on the video below.
Mr Tau Morwe, SAMSA Acting CEO making his closing remarks at the SAMSA organised Maritime Sector Bunkering Services Round Table Event held in Durban on Tuesday, 30 April 2024 .
Meanwhile, for a complete coverage of the SAMSA organised Maritime Sector Bunkering Services Round Table event in Durban on Tuesday last week, this blog captured as best it could the meetings’ proceedings as presented below. The only record unavailable, due in part to technology limitations, is that of regulators from Mauritius, Namibia and Mozambique who all were planned to make a virtual appearance online.
Key take-aways:
Bunkering along with related ship-to-ship transfers services have a long history in South Africa and remain a major business and economic opportunity for sustained expoitation, given the country’s almost perfect geolocation at the foot of the African continent, with an ocean space global shipping corridor that is equidistant between western and eastern countries.
With expansion of particularly bunkering services to off shore, notably in Algoa Bay since 2016, the regulatory domain has lagged behind for clarity, leading to disruption and confusion as evidenced by a 2023 SARS clampdown on some operators in Algoa Bay due to taxation related matters
The haitus has led to vast loss of business opportunity and income in the past few years especially since the break-out of strife and wars affecting major shipping lines in the Middle East and eastern Europe and which led to an increase in shipping traffic sailing along the Cape of Good Hope ocean corridor.
SARS related regulations are in the process of being finalised and should soon be operational.
Going forward, SAMSA, the TNPA and SARS are the key (but not exclusive) state institutions whose regulations operators – current or aspirant – must comply with.
Overall, there is an agreed need both by the relevant state institutions (SAMSA, TNPA, SARS, Ports Regulator, DFFE) and the private sector for closer cooperation and collaboration between the regulatory institutions, as well as about ongoing engagement and interaction with all stakeholders and interested parties in the maritime sector.
A commitment is reached that established forums in the bunkering subsector as well as periodic maritime sector and regulators roundtable meetings shall continue into the future.
In the package below, in the order of their appearance and presentations, first up are Welcoming and Opening Remarks by Mr Morwe and Mr Fakir respectively, in which they broadly outline the standpoint of SAMSA on the state of bunkering administration in South Africa.
Mr Tau Morwe, SAMSA Acting CEO making his welcoming remarks.
Mr Mahesh Fakir, SAMSA Board chairperson making his opening remarks.
Next are representatives of the Ports Regulator, TNPA and SAMSA on the status quo of bunkering services.
Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) presentation
Ports Regulator SA presentation
South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) presentation
Following are representatives of the Treasury, SARS and the DFFE on “Government on bunkering risk, opportunities and enablement.”
Treasury Department presentation
South African Revenue Service (SARS) presentation
Department of Forestry, Fisheries & Environment presentation
Question & Answers Session 1
Finally, below – in no particular order – are representatives of industry (including the South African Association of Ship Owners and Agents (SAASOA), on their own individual and group perspectives, afterwhich a final Question and Answer Session ensues.
The Maritime Rescue Coordinating Centre (MRCC) at the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) Cape Town based Centre for Sea Watch & Response (CSW&R) has extended its condolences to the Namibian family of a fisherman who reportedly went overboard a fishing vessel and presumed dead in South African sea waters on Monday this week.
The sorrowful statement by MRCC Cape Town came with confirmation on Wednesday that a day and night search for the seafarer had been abandoned, with little or no hope of his recovery.
According to the MRCC Cape Town, this was a tragic end to yet another incident in this south-western ocean region of South Africa where, in a space of two weeks, yet another fisher disappeared into the ocean after reportedly falling overboard a fishing vessel.
In an earlier incident on or about 19 April 2024, a skipper of a rigid-hulled inflatable boat (RHIB)was confirmed to have passed away after the watercraft in which he was sailing along with two (2) others, reportedly capsized after it was hit by a huge wave at sea in a location of approximately 1.5 nautical miles south of Oliphantsbospunt in the Western Cape.
Shortly after that incident, on 26 April 2024, another fishing vessel, named FV Oceana Amethyst, with 22 crew members onboard, also reportedly experienced problems while out at sea in a location of approximately 20 nautical miles west north- west of Slangkoppunt also in the Western Cape. such that it sank almost immediately due to water intake that reportedly started sipping through its engine room. Fortunately, during that incident, all 22 crew members were rescued on time.
Regarding the latest incident involving the Namibian fisherman, the MRCC said on Tuesday that the casualty occurred on Sunday, 28 April 2024 and shortly after which efforts also involving other nearby vessles, were made to assist the crew of the FV SEAWIN DIAMOND, while out at sea in an ocean location of approximately 142 nautical miles south of Mossel Bay.
“MRCC Cape Town was notified at 22:41 on 28 April by Telkom Maritime Radio of a Man Overboard (MOB) reported by the FV SEAWIN DIAMOND. The vessels position was reported to be approximately 142 NM South from Mossel Bay,” said the MRCC on Wednesday.
It said: “Whilst the vessel was busy setting fishing gear, the captain was alerted by the crew of the MOB incident and a MOB Marker buoy was deployed.
“The Namibian citizen was last seen wearing oil skin and boots but not a life jacket. The casualty vessel tracked the marker buoy in an effort to find the person in water (PIW). An observation of something green, presumed to be an oil skin, was seen disappearing under water but it could not be confirmed to be the PIW.
“A MAYDAY Relay was issued by MRCC Cape Town through Telkom Maritime Radio wherein vessels were requested to divert and render assistance in search of the PIW. The FV BLUEBELL was requested to divert to the reported incident from a position 67NM to the West.
“MRCC Cape Town developed a search area, based on the environmental factors and the time it would take the BLUEBELL to arrive at the incident location, and assigned a relevant search pattern.
“The Search Action Plan was communicated to the BLUEBELL, and it conducted a search along the drift track of the MOB buoy while proceeding to the assigned commence search point. MRCC Cape Town was notified by sunset on 29 April that the BLUEBELL and the SEAWIN DIAMOND had completed their search assignments, with MRCC Cape Town issuing revised search instructions to both vessels in preparation for a nighttime search.
“The nighttime search efforts had to be abandoned due to the lack of night search capabilities of both fishing vessels. MRCC Cape Town requested the frequency of the MAYDAY Relay broadcasted by Telkom Maritime Radio to be increased in the hope that additional resources shall respond.
“With no response to the MAYDAY Relay by 06:00 on 30 April 2024, the distress message was downscaled to an urgency message notifying vessels of the probable search area wherein sightings relating to the missing crewman could be made.
“Unfortunately, by 18:00 on 30 April 2024, with no additional information or sighting reports, all SAR efforts were cancelled with the missing person presumed drowned,” reported the MRCC Cape Town.
The centre added: “MRCC Cape Town expresses condolences to the family and friends of the missing crew member.”
South Africa’s maritime bunkering services subsector comes under national focus on Tuesday, 30 April 2024, wherein government, relevant state institutions, industry representatives, as well as interested parties will gather in Durban for a round table discussion to chart a way forward for the sector, says the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA).
Among notable participants earmarked for this event will be representatives of various stakeholders, including – from government – the Office of the Presidency, the Minister of Transport, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment (DFFE), Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA), the Ports Regulator, SAMSA, the South African Revenue Services (SARS); private sector maritime industry principals, as well as international delegates from neighbouring Mozambique and Namibia.
According to SAMSA, the bunkering sector roundtable event’s aim is to facilitate a direct engagement and interaction among key stakeholders for a discussion and sharing of views on matters impacting the subsector, as well as development of possible solutions to ongoing challenges as a way forward.
For specifically SAMSA, the entity says; the event will facilitate it an opportunity to provide clarity on pertinent issues, and among which is its specific role pertaining to bunkering business operations.
SAMSA intends to also provide clarity regarding an enduring misunderstanding over a ‘moratorium’ on bunkering that SAMSA management says it had initially explained to industry through at least two Maritime Information Notices.
Also, with offshore bunkering in Algoa Bay, Eastern Cape province, also currently halted since about late 2023 due to taxation related matters between bunkering services providers operating here and SARS, Tuesday’s event, says SAMSA; may facilitate provision of further clarity on where matters stand currently with regards new bunkering sector related regulations recently published by SARS for public input.
The DFFE is also anticipated to enrich the discussions with information pertaining to environmental protections measures involving bunkering and offshore STS services.
According to SAMSA the roundtable event in Durban on Tuesday comes at a time when bunkering services, now inclusive of offshore ship-to-ship transfers have significantly advanced the trajectory of shipping transport in the country – and an economic activity the entity says it is committed to ensuring its future sustainability.
The Department of Transport (DoT) entity is responsible for regulations that govern bunkering services, inclusive of issuing licences, under four pieces of enabling legislation. These include the Marine Pollution (Civil and Control Liability) Act 1981, the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships Act of 1986, the Merchant Shipping (Civil Liability Convention) Act 2013 and the Maritime Zones Act 1994.
In SAMSA’s view, South Africa’s geolocation at the southern tip of the African continent, equidistant between western and eastern continents through a sea channel constituted by three oceans, the Indian, Southern, and Atlantic Oceans, places the country in an advantageous position for extensive bunkering services to the world’s ship transport fleet.
By SAMSA’s own account, no less than 9 000 vessels per month pass through this ocean corridor, and along which its 3200km coastline nestles no less than eight (8) modern commercial ports through which trade goods destined for South Africa and the southern African region are handled.
According to SAMSA, with the expansion of bunkering services through introduction of offshore services in Algoa Bay, Eastern Cape province in April 2016, the subsector has since generated and injected millions of rands to the local economy.
In this period, three (3) licensed operators deployed a fleet of twelve [12] bunker vessels and from whose operations -involving as much as of 4, 3-million metric tons of fuel sold – flowed substantial economic contribution to the area and central to which was the development of dozens of small to medium enterprises that in turn, contributed to generation of no less than 300 direct jobs.
These included shipping agents, shipping chandlers, OPL launch boat owners, diving services providers, oil spill response services, bunker surveyors, accommodation services providers and numerous others.
SAMSA also indicates, however, that the with expanded bunkering services to include offshore ship to ship services, so also increased exponentially risks to the environment inclusive of wildlife.
The risks associated directly with both the increase in vessel traffic anchoring locally for bunkering services, as well as incidents of potential and actual oil spills.
Notably, according to SAMSA, there has been four (4) oil spills recorded involving about 1,6 tons of fuel that impacted the local ocean environment in Algoa Bay, Gqeberha, and the last of which was in May 2022.
To mitigate against this aspect and find balance to enhancement of both the massive economic opportunity but also the strict protection of the environment, SAMSA led initiatives falling within the scope of its own mandate, for the development of appropriate bunkering services management measures.
Among these were the introduction of the South African Bunkering Code of Practice and Ship-to-Ship Codes of Practice for use as guidelines to services providers, as well as the formation of an Offshore Operations Stakeholder Forum (OOSF) with three working groups focussed on environment, industry development as well technical aspects of the bunkering services subject.
On Tuesday’s event in Durban, SAMSA says the platform is reflective and exemplary of its unwavering commitment to work closely with maritime industry stakeholders in pursuit for fulfilment of its mandated objective to ensure effective sustainable safety measures to protect life and property at sea, prevent and combat pollution of the sea environment by the ships, and promote South Africa’s maritime interests.
“This event will also serve as a platform for sharing knowledge, debating critical issues, and charting a forward-looking course for bunkering activities in South Africa as well as those that are in hindsight,” said SAMSA.
Validity period for Small Vessel Interim Certificates of Competency expiring on or after 31 July 2023 extended to 31 March 2025, SAMSA announces in a Marine Information Notice (MN 06-24) published on Monday . (Photo: SAMSA File)
Pretoria: 22 April 2024
The Small Vessel Interim Certificates of Competency, issued in accordance with the Merchant Shipping National Small Vessel Safety Regulations 2007, as amended, have been granted an extension of validity until 31 March 2025, the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) announced on Monday.
SAMSA, in a Marine Information Notice (MIN 06-24) issued on Monday morning in Pretoria, said the extension applies to interim certificates expiring on or after 31 July 2023. The MIN – a standard industry notification bulletin – issues on Monday, replaces a previous notice (MIN 11-23) and provides information on the background, challenges faced by SAMSA in processing applications, and the extended validity period for the certificates.
According to the notice, the validity period for Small Vessel Interim Certificates of Competency is six (6) months. However, according to the bulletin issued on Monday, the interim certificates issued by SAMSA, appointed small vessel examiners, or accredited institutions that expire on or after 31 July 2023 have been further extended until 31 March 2025.
Giving a background to the latest development, SAMSA says: “SAMSA experienced small vessel examiners as from the month of April 2023 that affected the turnaround time for processing of all applications for Small Vessel Certificates of Competency.
“At that time, SAMSA anticipated that the time the operations would have been restored to process all the outstanding applications, but that has not been the case. SAMSA continues to put all measures in place to ensure that the systems are fully operational to process all the applications of Small Vessel Certificates of Competency. This Marine Information Notice is a replacement of MIN 11-23 until such time that all applications affected are fully processed.
The entity states that certificates affected by the extension “..must be kept on board the vessel along with the Marine Information Notice (MIN) and will be accepted as valid by enforcement officers, gatekeepers, or officials.
Meanwhile, SAMSA said it was working hard to restore full operational capacity and processing of all outstanding applications affected by the delays.
The Marine Information Notice will be available on SAMSA’s web page shortly (www.samsa.org.za)
SAMSA Boating unit manager, Ms Debbie James (front) addressing delegates during one of four boating community consultative meetings earlier this year. (Photo: SAMSA File)
Pretoria: 22 April 2024
A recent successful revision of the country’s Merchant Shipping (National Small Vessels Safety) Regulations, 2007 has once more highlighted the singular high significance of a meaningful stakeholder engagement and interaction, according to the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA).
The revisions to the regulations, led by the SAMSA Centre for Boating, and gazetted in February for public comment by mid-March 2024, “reflect a concerted effort to address emerging challenges (in the subsector) and to ensure the safety of small vessels – both seagoing and on sheltered waters,” said Ms Debbie James, the head of the boating unit.
The revised Merchant Shipping (National Small Vessels Safety) Regulations 2024 is an improvement on those first adopted in 2007 and cover a wide range of small vessels safety issues inclusive of safety certification, vessel safety requirements, crewing, training, specifical provisions for unregistered pleasure vessels, supplemental delegated powers to agencies and related, admistrative arrangements, as well as other relevant matters.
The gazetting of the proposed revisions to the regulations on 16 February 2024 (Government Gazette Number 50129 and Notice Number R.4374) was followed by an extensive consultation of the boating community countrywide from 27 February to 08 March – beginning with Cape Town (Western Region), followed by Durban (Eastern Region) on 01 March, Gqeberha (Southern Region) on 05 March and finally, Pretoria (Northern Region) on 08 March.
In the meantime, generally, according to SAMSA, the public had until 17 March 2024 to submit comment on the proposed revision.
Boating community members during one of four consultative meetings on the Merchant Shipping (National Small Vessels Safety) Regulations 2007 revision held in February and March 2024.(Photo: SAMSA File)
Giving a background to what sparked the initiative, said Ms James: ” During October 2021, a large inland water houseboat, caught fire. The vessel was burnt down to the waterline in a matter of minutes, and the fire claimed the lives of three people. The incident sparked a need for a concentrated inspection campaign to take place on all passenger and commercial vessels country wide.
“After having inspected over 200 commercial vessels during this concentrated inspection campaign, it was apparent the need for an update to the National Small Vessel Regulations. In a significant step towards enhancing small vessel safety standards, the Merchant Shipping (National Small Vessel Safety) Regulations, 2007 has undergone a comprehensive update.
“An extensive consultation process, which involved key stakeholders from the small vessel industry and relevant governing bodies, played a pivotal role in shaping the amendments to the existing regulations.
“In total, 120 people attended the sessions, and these sessions provided a platform for constructive dialogue, enabling stakeholders to voice concerns, propose recommendations, and contribute valuable insights based on their expertise and experiences,” said Ms James
By working collaboratively with stakeholders and leveraging the latest advancements in safety standards, the regulations aim to safeguard lives, protect the environment, and ensure the sustainable growth of small vessel operations in national waters.
She further pointed out that: “As the small vessel fraternity continues to evolve, the updated Merchant Shipping (National Small Vessel Safety) Regulations underscore the commitment of regulatory authorities to prioritize safety, promote best practices, and foster a culture of compliance within the maritime industry.
“The successful revision of the regulations serves as a testament to the collective efforts from external stakeholders, SAMSA Officials which include the Maritime Legislation unit, Surveyors, Technical Support Unit and Boating unit among other SAMSA officials have worked tirelessly to facilitate the revision process from inception to fruition.
“Once again, we extend our gratitude for the presence of stakeholders during the consultation sessions,” said Ms James.
Meanwhile, on actual work on the ground to enhance the safety boating, a launch and deployment of a specially trained SAMSA Enforcement Officers comprising an initial 95 officers on waterways and slipways countrywide proved worthwhile, according to the SAMSA Boating unit. To read more this, Click here.
A desperate sea search for a seafarer believed to have gone overboard off a trade vessel in the Mozambique channel continued overnight on Monday, the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) reported on Tuesday.
According to the Maritime Rescue Coordinating Centre (MRCC) based at the SAMSA Centre for Sea Watch and Response in Cape Town, the search for the seafarer, a crew member of a bulk carrier named KAVO PERDIKA, ensued early on Monday after the vessel reported the crew member as missing and suspected to have gone overboard.
Shortly thereafter, two other vessels sailing in the vicinity were summoned for assistance and soon joined the search, but without success, and had since been released to continue with their respective journeys, while the casualty vessels remains in search of the crew member.
Said SAMSA: “MRCC Cape Town was notified by Telkom Maritime Radio around 10am of a Man Overboard (MOB) distress alert received from the Bulk Carrier KAVO PERDIKA and that the MV MEGHNA PRESTIGE was assisting with search efforts.
“The vessel was reported to be in a position approximately 300km north-east from Inhambane in the Mozambican channel. It was reported to MRCC Cape Town that the 37-year-old Ukrainian was last seen around 5am, not wearing a life jacket. Shortly thereafter only his slippers and cigarettes were found where he was last seen.
“A MAYDAY Relay, being a RCC request for immediate SAR assistance, was issued on the request of MRCC Cape Town through Telkom Maritime Services.
“The casualty vessel, KAVO PERDIKA, had reverted back to the position where it was reported to the captain, that the crewman was missing. This position, being approximately 300km north-east from Inhambane in the Mozambican channel, was approximately three (3) hours’s sailing from the position where the crewman was last seen.”
The MRCC said due to the MAYDAY Relay, the MV UMM AL AMAD, responded and diverted to assist in the search efforts.
“After evaluating the facts, factors, possibilities, and probabilities, considering the environmental factors of south-easterly winds at approximately 40km/h, a south-south-easterly sea swell of up to 3m and a strong south-westerly sea current, search patterns were assigned to three (3) different search craft.
“By sunset today (Monday), all the craft had completed their assigned search patterns without the crewman being found. The casualty vessel KAVO PERDIKA, had been given another search pattern whilst the UMM AL AMAD and the MEGHNA PRESTIGE were released by the SAR Mission Coordinator to continue with normal operations.
“The SAR response shall be evaluated when the KAVO PERDIKA completed the latest search pattern. MRCC Cape Town requested an urgency message requesting vessels to recover and report the crewman if sighted along the predicted search track. This urgency message shall remain affective until 16:00 after which all search efforts shall be discontinued, pending additional information to motive the continuing of the search efforts.”
According to SAMSA, the MRCC Cape Town having also noted the proximity of the sea area of the incident to neighbouring Mozambique, “…. attempted to hand over the Search and Rescue coordination for the MOB to MRCC Maputo without success.
“Thus, MRCC Cape Town continued coordinating the SAR response as a Regional MRCC South Africa aligned with the multi-lateral SAR agreement.”
