Legislation Overview

The South African Maritime Safety Authority (“SAMSA”) was established in terms of SAMSA Act, 1998 (“the Act”) as a juristic person.

Its objectives are―

(a) to ensure safety of life and property at sea;

(b) to prevent and combat pollution of the marine environment by ships; and

In terms of section 2 of the Act, SAMSA is responsible to administer the following pieces of legislation:

Merchant Shipping Act, 1951
Marine Traffic Act, 1981
Marine Pollution (Control and Civil Liability) Act, 1981
Carriage of Goods by Sea Act, 1986
Marine Pollution (Prevention of Pollution from Ships) Act, 1986
Marine Pollution (Intervention) Act, 1987
Maritime Zones Act, 1994
Wreck and Salvage Act, 1996
SAMSA Act, 1998
SAMSA Levies Act, 1998
Ship Registration Act, 1998

With regard to the aforementioned, the Centre for Policy and Regulatory Affairs (“the Centre”) is responsible for ―

Providing assistance to the Department of Transport in drafting and processing of the maritime statutes and policies, leading to the promulgation into laws of South Africa. Further, the Centre also plays a critical role on consultation processes with internal and external stakeholders (government departments and its entities, private stakeholders etc.) in developing legal instruments.
Advocating for the adoption of international regulations (Conventions, Protocols, Codes etc.) and assist in translating such into national laws including leveraging international best practice.
Providing regular updates to SAMSA on legislative and regulatory changes. It also conducts research on various legislative and regulatory frameworks that impact on SAMSA and make necessary recommendations.
Providing legal advice and opinions on maritime related issues as well as on corporate legal matters to government departments upon request.

Statutory Forms

For guidance on applicable national laws; relavent regional; continental and international instrument;
Please see Related Information links or contact your nearest SAMSA Office