SAMSA has issued a marine notice to clarify what it is needed when vessels passage plans require them to transit South African waters. The procedure applies to vessels requiring a place of refuge in South Africa and follows recent incidents in which SAMSA noticed that many vessels had failed to report the situation.
Therefore, SAMSA requires that any person receiving information regarding a vessel that may require assistance in any form with respect to seaworthiness or safety or a potential similar situation to report this to the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre, SAMSA Regional Manager or Principal Officer at the port closest to the vessels vicinity, without delay.
In terms of the International Management Code for the Safe Operation of Ships and for Pollution Prevention, a master in this situation is required to report these facts to the Designated Person Ashore. Owners, Managers, P and I Club representatives and Agents on receipt of such information are requested to inform SAMSA as soon as they become aware of a potential situation.
In the marine notice, SAMSA refers all information needed for reporting when vessels enter South African waters for inspection or repairs. For granting permission, in addition, SAMSA may require the following:
- SAMSA surveyor(s) may be appointed to inspect the vessel to confirm the issues reported and understand possible threats to the safety of the crew and possible pollution to the environment. Owners’ Agents are required to arrange safe transportation to the vessel, normally by helicopter;
- SAMSA may require that, where the threat of pollution may exist, all pollutants are removed from the vessel; and
- The Owners secure the services of a salvage tug, approved by SAMSA, which will be required to stand-by the vessel or escort the vessel through the Exclusive Economic Zone. 4. Your attention is drawn to the latest SAMSA Levies Act (Act 6 of 1998), Determination of Charges, for vessels entering the Territorial Waters of the Republic of South Africa when breaking innocent passage. The vessel will be levied accordingly.
View details by reading SAMSA Marine Notice herebelow
