SAMSA hosts a bunkering stakeholder engagement roundtable Tuesday with maritime industry key role figures

Pretoria: 25 April 2024

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.

End.

Search for fishing vessel crewman gone overboard off Lamberts Bay called off: SAMSA

Pretoria: 05 April 2024

The circumstances under which a South African fishing vessel crewman disappeared after reportedly going overboard while at sea off Lamberts Bay in the Western Cape will remain under scrutiny even as the search for the crewman has been called, so said the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) on Friday.

According to SAMSA, information about the incident surfaced early Thursday after the fishing vessel, FV Hesko, issued a call for assistance reportedly due to one of its crewmen having fallen overboard at a location at sea approximately 80 kilometres west of Lamberts Bay in the Atlantic Ocean.

South Africa’s Maritime Rescue Coordinating Centre (MRCC) at the SAMSA Centre for Sea Watch & Response in Cape Town, working in conjunction with Telkom Maritime Radio (TMR) was informed that the FV Hesko – a 31 meter vessel – reported a man overboard at about 02h14 on Thursday morning.

The MRCC immediately initiated an alert call to all other vessels in the area to possibly render assistance to the casualty vessel, and two – the FV Samrock and the FV Atlantic Rose – were the first responders, with a third, the FV Lisa Ann also due to join the search and rescue during the course of the day, on Thursday.

The MRCC said: “We were informed that the incident occurred while the crew was busy working on the nets on the deck and the crewman who reportedly fell overboard had slipped.

“The report said he was wearing a life jacket and had been initially spotted floating face down in water after the fall overboard. One of the crew members reportedly jumped into the water in an attempt to recover the casualty, but unfortunately the casualty disappeared under water.”

“The search had continued for a while through to Thursday morning but later, the casualty vessel and those assisting with the search reported that they were released from the search for the person in the water.

“With all information at its hands, MRCC Cape Town having considered the matter, decided to stand down. That notwithstanding, a ‘PAN PAN’ broadcast was made to all vessels in the vicinity until 11h00 to be on the lookout for a lifejacket sighting and report such to the MRCC when made,” said SAMSA.

SAMSA further confirmed that the incident remains under investigation.

Meanwhile, in Cape Town on Friday, SAMSA confirmed yet another shipping incident at the port of Cape Town wherein two ships collided, but without causing injuries to people.

SAMSA said in Pretoria on Friday: “The South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) can confirm an incident involving the Ambience Cruise Ship and the Grey Fox Cargo Ship at the Cape Town Harbour earlier today. The incident occurred during berthing operations when the Ambience made contact with another vessel and the quay.

“We are relieved to confirm that there have been no injuries because of this incident. Furthermore, there is no risk to the environment, nor to the safety of the vessel or the port. The Ambience sustained minor damages.

“The Port Authority is actively managing the situation, and a SAMSA surveyor is currently on-site conducting a thorough assessment to understand the circumstances surrounding the incident and to evaluate the extent of the damage.”

End.

South Africa’s Maritime Rescue Coordinating Centre (MRCC) helps save seafarers from sunken vessel, miles into the Atlantic Ocean: SAMSA

Pretoria: 15 March 2024

Prompt action by the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) Centre for Sea Watch & Response to a vessel distress call thousands of kilometres into the Atlantic Ocean this week has successfully led to the rescue of two seafarers, now on their way to Cape Town, the agency reported on Friday.

Sadly, a third seafarer believed to be an elderly German national, could not be saved as he was reported to have sunk along with the vessel, said SAMSA. The two other seafarers, a Brazilian and a Swiss/USA citizen, are now currently on their way to Cape Town.

According to the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) based at the Centre for Sea Watch & Rescue in Cape Town Friday, the drama filled rescue operation of the seafarers ensued on Wednesday after the unit was called upon and notified shortly after 12 midnight by the Garmin International Rescue Coordination Centre (IERCC) of an SOS Alert that had been received.

“The IERCC relayed that the Swiss flagged sailing vessel NINA POPE was reported to be taking on water in a position approximately 2,400km West-south-west from Cape Town. Shortly after the report from the IERCC, a Cospas-Sarsat Emergency Position Radio Beacon (EPIRB) activation was received through the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS).

“The EPIRB was confirmed to be associated with the NINA POPE, which was en-route from Tristan da Cunha towards Cape Town as learned later.

“Due to the incident position being close to the Search and Rescue Region border of Uruguay and South Africa, it was agreed that MRCC Cape Town shall assume Search and Rescue (SAR) coordination. MRCC Uruguay continued to assist MRCC Cape Town with supplementary SAR related information.

“Telkom Maritime Radio was requested by MRCC Cape Town to communicate the distress of the three (3) persons onboard the NINA POPE to vessel around the incident location through a MAYDAY Relay.

“MRCC Cape Town had also identified several vessels that might be appropriate responding craft using SAMSA’s Automatic Identification System (AIS). The Motor Tanker vessel FRONT POLLUX, one of the vessels identified on AIS, responded to the MAYDAY Relay and diverted to investigate the distress notification on the request of MRCC Cape Town.

“Thanks to the continuous position updates received from both the Garmin device and the EPIRB, MRCC Cape Town was able to direct the FRONT POLLUX to the distress position through the communication assistance of Telkom Maritime Radio.

“By 3pm, the FRONT POLLUX reported to have sighted a life raft in the vicinity of the distress position and proceeded to recover the survivors in winds of up to 74 km/h and Sea swell of up to 08m.

“The FRONT POLLUX notified MRCC Cape Town that only two survivors (Male) were recovered from the life raft and that the third, the Skipper (Male), had not survived and went under with the NINA POPE when it sank,” said MRCC.

MRCC reported that it subsequently cancelled the MAYDAY Relay and the FRONT POLLUX relayed that the survivors did not require medical assistance.

“One survivor had dual Swiss/USA citizenship and the other is Brazilian, both had communicated with their respective Embassies in Cape Town as facilitated by the FRONT POLLUX. The deceased was a German citizen.

“The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) has been requested to assist with the landing of the survivors off Cape Town early next week,” said the MRCC

End.

Search for sailor off South African coast called off; SAMSA

Pretoria: 04 March 2024

A search for a foreign seafarer who reportedly fell overboard a container vessel in the Indian Ocean, about 22 nautical miles southeast of Cape Recife near the city of Gqeberha, in the Eastern Cape province at the weekend, has been called off after a thorough situation appraisal; the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) confirmed on Monday.

The seafarer, reportedly a male in his 30s, was not found, said SAMSA, adding that at the time of his disappearance overboard a Denmark flagged container ship, MV Santa Cruz, he was reportedly not wearing a life jacket.

The search for the seafarer, according to SAMSA ensued on Saturday evening shortly after a distress call was received from the vessel, reporting about the incident, and requesting assistance through both the Telkom Maritime Radio and the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre based in Cape Town.

At the time of incident on Saturday evening, the vessel was sailing at approximately 22 nautical miles east of Cape Recife, near Algoa Bay in the Eastern Cape province.

“At 18h42 (local time) on Saturday, Telkom Maritime Radio informed the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) that M/V Santa Cruz reported that she had a man overboard.

“MRCC and Telkom Maritime Radio has since issued a call to vessels in the vicinity, the closest of which was a fishing vessel, FV Portunity, to assist with the search while more search and rescue resources were currently being mobilised, inclusive of the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI),” said SAMSA.

Overnight, the containership which was enroute from Durban to Cape Town continued the search and was later joined by as many as six (6) other vessels, as well as by the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) in (Gqeberha), however sadly, all to no avail, confirmed SAMSA.

The vessel is bound for Cape Town and the local SAMSA office will board the vessel for further investigation.

End

Search underway for seafarer fallen overboard a container ship in Indian Ocean near Cape Recife, Eastern Cape: SAMSA

*_{The Denmark flagged container ship, M/V Santa Cruz, from which a seafarer reportedly fell overboard on the Indian Ocean along the Eastern Cape, South Africa, on Saturday, 02 March 2024.}*_{(Pic: Supplied)}

Pretoria: 03 March 2024

A sea search is underway in South African waters after a foreign seafarer reportedly disappeared from his vessel and believed to have fallen overboard on Saturday evening, while it was sailing on the Indian Ocean, along the Eastern Cape coastline; the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) announced on Sunday.

UPDATE ONE: Sunday, 03 March 2024 13h00 (LOCAL TIME)

No less than six (6) vessels have since joined the search of the seafarer on Sunday morning on the Indian Ocean along the Eastern Cape province of South Africa, while a warning has also been issued to other passing vessels to keep clear of the search area, reported SAMSA.

According to SAMSA on Sunday morning, the ‘man overboard’ (MOB) report by a Denmark flagged container ship, indicated that the incident occurred while the vessel was sailing at approximately 22 nautical miles east of Cape Recife, near Algoa Bay in the Eastern Cape province.

“At 18h42 (local time) on Saturday, Telkom Maritime Radio informed the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) that M/V Santa Cruz reported that she had a man overboard.

“MRCC and Telkom Maritime Radio has since issued a call to vessels in the vicinity, the closest of which was a fishing vessel, FV Portunity, to assist with the search while more search and rescue resources are currently being mobilised, inclusive of the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI),” said SAMSA.

The search for the seafarer is still underway in an area on the Indian Ocean near Cape Recife, equivalent some seven (7) nautical miles, said SAMSA.

End.

South Africa maritime sector decarbonisation roadmap on GHG Emissions Reduction is on the roll. SAMSA

Pretoria: 15 February 2024

Development of South Africa Maritime Sector Decarbonisation Roadmap is now well on track following to an inaugural roundtable meeting of the sectors’ key role players, led by the Department of Transport (DoT) and the South African Maritime Authority (SAMSA); in Newlands, Cape Town, a week ago.

According to SAMSA, the Ministerial roundtable on development of a Maritime Sector Decarbonisation Roadmap is South Africa’s latest tacit response and contribution towards pursuit for fulfilment of its commitment to implementation of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) 2023 Strategy on Reduction of GHG Emissions from Ships.

The revised IMO GHG Strategy, according to SAMSA, includes an enhanced common ambition to reach net-zero GHG emissions from international shipping by or around 2050, a commitment to ensure an uptake of alternative zero and near-zero GHG fuels by 2030, as well as indicative checkpoints for 2030 and 2040.

Among other factors, ‘indicative checkpoints’ to reach net-zero GHG emissions from international shipping include strife for reduction of total annual GHG emissions from international shipping by at least 20%, striving for 30%, by 2030, compared to 2008; and reduction of total annual GHG emissions from international shipping by at least 70%, striving for 80%, by 2040, compared to 2008.

South Africa as a member of the IMO, said SAMSA, has a responsibility to progress the decisions of the organisation, with SAMSA expected to lead the implementation of such decisions, in line with objective 3 of the SAMSA Act.

There had now developed concerns, however, that “with the adoption of the revised 2023 IMO GHG Strategy, South Africa is still to develop its own roadmap on achieving the vision and targets aimed at decarbonising shipping.

“To advance the objectives of the GHG strategy and implementation of the developed IMO regulations aimed at decarbonising shipping, South Africa is still to finalise the legislative instrument to give effect to Annexure VI (Energy Efficiency of Ships) of the MARPOL Convention.”

Thus, according to SAMSA, the roundtable discussion on Friday last week was aimed at initiating a crafting phase of South Africa’s maritime approach and alignment to climate change programmes for purposes of GHG emissions reduction as contained in the IMO strategy.

Precisely, said SAMSA, the focus was on various issues, inclusive of an assessment of the country’s strategic approach to the subject relative to its geographic location, the country’s potential to produce clean fuels based on its renewable energy resources, the identification of possible green corridors, possible best approaches to leveraging economic opportunities such as clean fuels bunkering – over and above reduction of domestic emissions – and the potential impact of the entire exercise on the country’s economy inclusive of trade.

At last week’s roundtable meeting, in response to the Minister of Transport, Ms Sindisiwe Chikunga’s call for action, in addition to SAMSA senior management as well as the entity’s Board chairperson, Mr Mahesh Fakir, participation included representatives of the IMO (World Maritime University), South Africa ship owners and operators, the country’s ports authority (Transnet National Ports Authority), mining, environmental, energy, education and training, and related industry associated experts.

Also attending was about a dozen of about 30 officials from various South African public institutions and private maritime sector companies who’d earlier in the week, spent four (4) days in Cape Town on an executive professional development training course on Maritime Energy Management and Decarbonisation conducted by the World Maritime University.

The lineup of speakers and contributors to the discussion, included DoT Deputy Director, Maritime Branch; Mr Mthunzi Madiya (officially representing the Minister of Transport), SAMSA Board Chairperson Mr Mahesh Fakir, SAMSA Acting CEO and COO, Mr Tau Morwe and Mr Sobantu Tilayi, respectively; Mr Mkhuthazi Teleki (Department of Forestry Fisheries and Environment), Mr Tauqeer Ahmed (TNPA), Mr Andrew Millard (Vuka Marine), Mr Dan Ngakane (African Marine Solutions), Mr Sanda Zungu (Phalaborwa Mining Company), Dr Ita Mabaso (PetroSA), and Mr Johannes Bochdalofsky, co-founder and CEO of SeaH4.

At the conclusion of the discussion, SAMSA Chief Operations Officer, Mr Sobantu Tilayi summed up the day as having been ‘most productive, with great progress.” For his full remarks, click on the video below.

_{SAMSA Chief Operations Officer, Mr Sobantu Tilayi on the outcomes of the Ministerial maritime sector decarbonisation roadmap development roundtable held in Cape Town}

For SAMSA ACEO, Mr Tau Morwe’s introductory remarks, click on the video below.

For the Minister, Ms Chikunga’s key opening address (presented by Mr Madiya), click on the video below.

For SAMSA Board chairperson, Mr Mahesh Fakir’s concluding remarks.

Additionally, for further insights into the four (4) day workshop held earlier in the week preceding the roundtable discussions, conducted by the World Maritime University, this blog chatted briefly, separately, with both SAMSA’s Acting Chief Human Capital Officer, Mr Tebogo Mojafi, and one of the course conductors, Professor Dr. Aykut I. Ölçer.

For their respective remarks, click on the videos below.

End.

Vaal River boating incident under investigation: SAMSA

*_{One of depictive photos of the Vaal River incident on Saturday, 21 October 2023, and which claimed the lives of four (4) people including a young child. (Photo Supplied)}*

Pretoria: 23 October 2023

The South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) has confirmed its launch of an investigation into the tragic boat incident at the Vaal River which claimed at least four (4) lives, including that of a toddler.

In a statement in Pretoria on Monday, SAMSA reported that according to a police report, the boating incident occurred at about 16h00 on Saturday when two small vessels, a boat with 10 people on board, and a barge; sailed past each other, and with one, due to its size, reportedly creating a large wake and the resulting waves leading to the other capsizing, and the people on board landing in the water.

“The vessel had reportedly launched at the SAM GROSS municipal site on the Vaal River with 10 persons onboard including the skipper. The vessel was reportedly cruising in the direction towards Vereeniging area when it came across a moving barge in the opposite direction.

“However, according to the report, it was assumed that the barge, due to its size, created a large wake and the resulting waves flooded the speed boat, leading to the speed boat being submerged and eventually capsizing.

“Regrettably, a woman/mother and her three (3) year toddler were trapped under neath the speed boat in the capsized position and drowned. Both were reportedly wearing personal flotation devices.

“The report further indicates that two (2) adults, also fitted with personal floatation devices drowned further away from the capsized speed boat. However, the skipper and other five persons survived the incident.

“According to the report, the SAPS Water wing arrived on scene at about 17:30 and assisted in retrieving all the deceased from the river, as well as all the survivors, within twenty minutes of the incident occurring. Paramedics were reportedly also on the scene and attended to the survivors. An investigation into this incident is ongoingm; “said SAMSA

Meanwhile, SAMSA conveyed its condolences to the family of the deceased.

End

Revised SA national oil spill contingency plan on a roadshow for public awareness: IMOrg -SAMSA

Gqeberha. 18 October 2023

After a long delay occasioned by the devastating outbreak of the global Covid-19 pandemic in December 2019 that led to intermittent national shutdowns for over two years, the rollout of a public awareness campaign about South Africa’s national oil spill contingency plan (NOSCP) is finally underway, with the two Indian Ocean commercial ports of Gqeberha, Eastern Cape province being the first to host the rollout.

Conducted by the South Africa Interim Incident Management Organisation (IMorg) the NOSCP roadshow kicked off at the port of Gqurha, in Algoa Bay near Gqeberha (a.k.a Port Elizabeth) on Tuesday and continued on Wednesday.

Attended by more than 80 people on Tuesday, including representatives of key role players such as the Department of Transport (DoT), South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA), Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment (DFFE), the Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA), environmental organisations and related, according to IMorg, the purpose of the roadshows is to inform and enhance public awareness about the revised NOSCP for the 2019-2024 period, and attendant response strategies to oil spills and related incidents at South Africa’s oceans.

The IMOrg, a virtual organisation chaired by the DoT and SAMSA as the co-chair and secretariat, is South Africa’s preparedness forum for joint Government and ndustry response to oil spills within South Africa’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of approximately 1.5-million km² across the Atlantic, Southern and Indian Oceans.

Launched in 2017, as a deliverable of the Operation Phakisa Oil and Gas laboratory B1 initiative, for joint Government – industry emergency drills, IMOrg’s membership is drawn broadly from across various sectors of society inclusive of State departments, private sector industries as well as non-governmental institutions.

*_{Capt. Ravi Naicker. SAMSA Centre for Sea Watch & Response and IMOrg senior official}*

According to Capt. Ravi Naicker of the SAMSA Centre for Sea Watch and Response, and the entity’s main representative in IMorg, the DoT has a legal responsibility of providing and fulfilling South Africa’s statutory obligations towards marine pollution prevention response along the country’s coastline of more than 3 000 kilometres. This in terms of powers provided in the Marine Pollution (Control and Civil Liability) Act 6 of 1981, Marine Pollution (Prevention of Pollution from Ships) Act 2 of 1986 and in the Marine Pollution (Intervention) Act 64 of 1987.

“These Acts impose obligations on ships and installations and further give power in respect of pollution casualties in so far as pollution occurs, or threatens to occur within waters under South African jurisdiction, being waters comprising the internal and territorial waters, the exclusive economic zone, etc.

“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 latter section illustrates clearly that 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.

“Furthermore, the 2017 version of the South African Comprehensive Maritime Transport Policy makes provision for the DoT, in co-operation with other Departments and agencies, to maintain a comprehensive Contingency Plan to ensure compliance with the provisions of the International Convention on Oil Pollution Preparedness, Response and Co-operation, 1990 (OPRC),” he says.

On what the revised NOSCP now entails and why it is important to enhance public awareness about its provisions, Capt. Naicker says the implementation framework is critical for broad public knowledge and understanding.

The framework, he says, outlines a range of issues including the role and responsibilities of the persons and parties involved in a national response to a marine oil spill in South Africa, relevant information and recommended procedures on appropriate action in the event of an oil spill, arrangements allowing for a rapid and co-operative response to marine oil spills within defined areas, and processes related to the provision of national and international support.

“The NOSCP recognizes that no two incidents are ever the same and therefore the level and intensity of a response varies from incident to incident. The plan is complemented by Government and Industry contingency plans prepared at regional, port and facility levels. Matters of detail are contained in local, site specific, contingency plans,” he says.

A most critical aspect of the NOSCP, according to Capt. Naicker, is the adoption, introduction, and application in South Africa of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) endorsed Incident Management System (IMS) and about which, he says; offers “..a well-structured and inclusively accepted offshore oil spill response management system.’

The IMS scope covers incidents management aspects including the setting up of command structures, planning, operations, logistics and finance arrangement. Broken down into two categories, the IMS consists of three modules – IMS 100, 200 and 300 – involving desktop training of participants, and practical on-the-field real time incident management training in simulated oil spill exercises at sea.

To date, more than 50 people have undertaken the training, conducted variously by international experts including the Global Initiative for West, Central and Southern African (GI-WACAF) Project, International Petroleum Industry Environmental Conservation Association (IPIECA).

On why the IMorg’s NOSCP roadshow started in the Algoa Bay ports of Ngqurha and Port Elizabeth, Capt. Naicker says this was based on IMOrg’s recommendations that environmentally highly sensitive ports be prioritised, a stance fully supported by especially environmental groups such as the Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB).

The Algoa Bay’s high risk profile for oil spill contingency plans is based both on the existence and operations of two major commercial ports and a ship-to-ship bunkering operation in the area and alongside which are a diverse wildlife including bird colonies.

For this blog’s brief chat with Capt. Naicker, click on the video below.

For a brief chat with SANCCOB’s representative at the Ngqurha port leg of the roadshow, Ms Monica Stassen click below.

For a brief chat with DFFE & IMOrg official, Ms Feroza Albertus.

End

UPDATE: Seafarers on board stricken Taiwanese fishing vessel successfully rescued. SAMSA

Pretoria: 13 September 2023

All 16 crew of a Taiwanese fishing vessel that sank in the Indian Ocean on Tuesday were successfully rescued overnight (South African time), with none reported to have suffered an injury, the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) reported on Wednesday.

According to the SAMSA Centre for Sea Watch and Response based Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) in Cape Town, the successful rescue of the crew occured at approximately 02h30 on Wednesday, with assistance of several vessels that responded to distress and assistance request calls broadcast on Tuesday.

The rescue mission got underway on Tuesday after the Taiwanese fishing vessel DER HAE NO 66 crew sent out a MAYDAY call reporting that the vessel was taking in water to a point that it had to abandon it, in an area at sea some 598 kilometers off the coast of Durban in the Indian Ocean.

According to the MRCC, several ships in the vicinity were immediately called upon to render assistance, and they did so successfully.

The Centre for Sea Watch & Response reported on Wednesday morning: “MRCC Cape Town is glad to report that all of the 16 crew from the fishing vessel (FV) DER HAE NO 66 were rescued.

“The bulk carrier GOLDEN EARL arrived at the scene where the DER HAE NO 66 sank after being abandoned by the Taiwanese and Filipino crew. Unfortunately, the GOLDEN EARL could not recover the survivors from the life raft due to the prevailing swell of 4.0 meters.

“MRCC Cape Town then requested the GOLDEN EARL to remain on-scene, and with the drifting life raft until the fishing vessels JAIN LIH NO 212 and DER HAE NO 6 arrives.

“MRCC released the other vessels, liquid natural gass carrier LOBITA and crude oil tanker RED NOVA EARL to continue with normal voyage.

“The on-scene coordinator, GOLEN EARL reported by 2am on 13 September 2023 that the two Taiwanese fishing vessels had arrived by, and the JAIN LIH NO 212 recovered the 16 crew. No injuries were reported to MRCC Cape Town. The GOLDEN EARL was also released to continue with normal voyage. The on-scene coordinator reported that both fishing vessels shall continue with fishing operations.

“MRCC Cape Town appreciates the efforts of all vessels involved, and the assistance provided by RCC Taipei and Telkom Maritime Radio.”

End

Foreign fishing vessel rescue operation underway on Indian Ocean off the coast of Durban: SAMSA

Pretoria: 12 Septembet 2023

A rescue operation for fishermen onboard a Taiwanese vessel reportedly sinking is currently underway some 598 kilometers off the coast of Durban in the Indian Ocean, the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) reports.

The number of fishermen involved is not yet known, save for a MayDay call recorded from the sinking vessel at about 03.18pm (South African time), said the SAMSA Centre for Sea Watch & Response based Maritime Rescue Coordinating Centre (MRCC) in Cape Town. A number of vessels in proximity of the reportedly sinking fishing vessel had since been mobilised to offer assistance, said the MRCC.

According to the MRCC: “MRCC Cape Town was notified at 15:18 today (12 September 2023) by RCC Taipei that the Taiwanese fishing vessel (FV) DER HAE NO 66 was sinking due to flooding in a position approximately 323NM (598km) East-south-east from Durban, and that the Taiwanese fishing vessels DER HAE NO 6 and ZAN LI NO 212 were diverting to assist.

“The weather forecast for the incident position is winds South-east up to 25 knots (approximately 48km/h) and the Sea State being swell of up to 4m mainly south westerly, as per South African Weather Services (SAWS).

“A MAYDAY relay was issued by Telkom Maritime Radio at the request of MRCC Cape Town and the Liqued Natural Gass Carrier, LOBITA was requested to divert and assist after responding.

“The LOBITA was approximately 155NM (287km) west from the incident position. The vessels bulk carrier, GOLDEN EARL, at approximately 35NM (65km) and the crude oil tanker, RED NOVA EARL, at approximately 60NM (111km), were identified on AIS and requested to divert to the incident position for assistance to be rendered.

“This is a developing and dynamic incident with the SAR response being conducted as aligned with the SASAR Act and Policy.”

This blog will update the story as and when new information is shared.

End