The South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) is a South African government agency established on 1 April 1998 as a result of the 1998 South African Maritime Safety Authority Act 5. as such it is responsible for the implementation of current International & National Regulations regarding the Maritime Industry as well as upon all recreational marine vessels within its jurisdiction.
SAMSA via the administration and/or management of all things marine related is in effect the governing authority and as such is required to investigate maritime accidents/incidents & to provide various marine related services both on behalf of Government as well as to Government.
Overview of services
To & on behalf of Government:
Advise Government on maritime issues relating to or affecting South Africa
Administer current legislation & policies, submit additional proposals thereon as & when required so as to flag State Implementation
Represent South Africa at international forums, liaise with foreign governments & other International institutions on behalf of South African Government
On behalf of the Minister of Transport liaise with other South African institutions & various State Departments
Administration of government maritime contracts
Provide a maritime Search and Rescue (SAR) capability within the South African area of responsibility - via the management (on behalf of DOT) of the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC)
Conduct Accident investigations and provide Emergency Casualty Response
Control of State Ports, including management of the DOT contracted pollution prevention and response capability
To Maritime Industry (local & International):
Conduct Statutory surveys and issue Safety certification of vessels
Certification of Seafarers
Provide Assistance and advice on maritime legislation
Provide advice & grant approval in construction and refitting of vessels, including the evaluation & approval of fittings & equipment used.
Consultancy to industry on technical matters, safety and qualifications
To Stakeholders:
Safety equipment approval
Port State Control Inspections
Inspections of ships and cargoes of timber, grain and hazardous goods
Accreditation of maritime training institutions and maritime training programmes
Monitoring of South African seafarers’ welfare and conditions of service
Provision of maritime safety information to shipping & ensuring a reliable radio service
Ensuring that navigational aids are in place around the South African coastline
Assimilation and maintenance of shipping information and statistics
It is subordinate to the Minister of Transport, who heads the Department of Transport. Despite it being a marine authority its head office is over 500 km away from the nearest ocean in Pretoria.
SAMSA administers the South African ship register.
In July 2012 the authority acquired the former Antarctic supply vessel S. A. Agulhas as a training ship.
