Web Alert: S.A. maritime saftey authority marine notice 10/2016

SAMSA MARINE NOTICE 10/2016

Members are advised that a new Marine Notice has been issued by the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) and is now in operation. This notice concerns vessels which intend to lay-up, be immobilised or wish to stop and anchor for repairs within South African territorial waters. Vessels must now apply without delay to the Principal Officer (PO) representing the authority, based at the harbour nearest to the location of stopping or anchoring. This application must be in writing and must be accompanied by the documents listed in Annex 1 of Marine Notice 10/2016 (see attachment on the right).

Those applying in such circumstances should be aware that an application does not automatically confer upon them the right to stop or anchor, the permission to do so may be extended to the vessel on a conditional basis or be denied dependant on the circumstances of the case, such as if there is a risk of stranding or pollution.

Vessels in distress have the right to enter sheltered bays in times of distress but if doing so must notify the PO at the nearest harbour as soon as possible and provide the PO with the documents listed in Annex 1 of the Marine Notice (see attachment). The Marine Notice also provides guidance on the regulations concerning:

1.       Maintenance, repairs and commercial activities
2.       Emergency repairs
3.       Conditions for stopping or anchoring of a ship
4.       Notification of departure
5.       Offences in respect to offshore installations
6.       Layups

Members which have vessels operating/transiting near South African territorial waters should familiarise themselves with the content of Marine Notice 10/2016 to ensure that they are fully appraised of the steps they will be required to take should they engage in any of the activities covered by the notice.