Welcome to Talking Maritime, a new web space (essentially a dedicated blog page) in which we intend to offer news and information content in various multi-media formats to keep you both updated and informed regularly about developments in the South African maritime sector, but especially that involving the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA). Special features will involve actual video chats with different people about issues related to the maritime sector in general, and SAMSA specifically.
Special Feature May 2024:
SEAFARER WELFARE: With focus on Gender Based Violence and related matters in the programme of SAMSA for 2024 and beyond.
Talking Maritime host, Sicelo Fayo chats to Mr Sibusiso Rantsoabe, SAMSA’s OHS & Welfare Manager about what the maritime authority is currently working on with regards Gender-Based Violence in the maritime sector as well seafarers’ welfare, inclusive of collaborations with domestic, regional and international institutions, among them; South African International Maritime Institute (SAIMI), the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and the International Maritime Organisation (IMO).
Highlights:
In October 2022, SAMSA hosted an inaugural maritime sector seminar on Gender-Based Violence in Cape Town, and among whose keynote speakers was South Africa’s Minister of Transport, Ms. Sindisiwe Chikunga, along with several international representatives that included then World Maritime University President, Dr. Cleopatra Doumbia-Henry, Ms. Lena Dyring of the International Transport Workers Federation (ITF), as well as maritime academic and veteran female seafarer, Dr. Momoko Kitada of the World Maritime University. Locally, both male and female seafarers partook, as did industry principals – mainly employers, education and training institutions and seafarers’ welfare non governmental organisations. What emerged clearly was that GBV is as rife in the community as it is in the sector.
In London, the IMO Council, at its 127th session in July 2022 endorsed the establishment of Joint Tripartite Workin Group (JTWG), to identify and address seafarersʹ issues and the human element. The countries included the BAHAMAS, FRANCE, PANAMA, PHILIPPINES, SOUTH AFRICA, SWEDEN, THAILAND and the UNITED STATES. The IMO/ILO JTWG held its second business meeting in London in February 2024 where South Africa chaired the governments group in discussions with both employers and seafarers.
This year, SAMSA has plans for a more expansive maritime sector seminar to look at these and related matters.
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