Enhance Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) Capability
Although displays of terrestrial and Sat AIS, as well as LRIT are available, there is room for improvement. The envisaged outcome is the capacity and capability to detect, identify, monitor and track all vessels within territorial, EEZ and beyond to determine possible maritime security and safety to navigation threats, and marine environment threats
Small craft identification & tracking
A transponder fitted to all non-SOLAS South African registered vessels (and possibly other vessels operating in SA waters), that will enable identification and tracking of vessels offshore and inland on an internationally standardised system is envisaged. This should include a cost-effective, low maintenance, minimum 1-year battery life device that requires renewal with the vessel's annual safety survey.
Establish South African Safe Sea Net (SASSN)
The envisaged outcome is a networked solution and database wherein all meteorological and hydrological data from approved sources can be entered/accessed for the enhancement of weather and navigation warnings primarily focused upon the local fishers, but also to benefit to all seafarers within SA waters. Also, for early warning systems e.g. abnormal waves, tsunami, tropical revolving storms, etc. for disaster management entities. Additionally, the archived data to support hydro/meteorological projects by research institutions.
Contribute towards IMO's Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions initiatives and targets
Products and Services
- MRCC is the maritime centre providing Search and Rescue (SAR) for seafarers in distress and Medical Evacuation (medevac) for injured Seafarers or persons at sea
- Registrar for emergency beacons and updating international registry (COSPAS-SARSAT system based in Canada)
- Receipt of Pre-Arrival Notifications for vessels intending to visit South African ports and anchorages
- SA LRIT National Data Centre (NDC) – vessel tracking within 1000 miles of coastline; share data with South African maritime security entities
- SA offering LRIT services to other African Member States – thus establishing the Africa Cooperative Data Centre (CDC)
- The Focal Point to receive Ship Security Alerts, piracy information
- The National Focal Point (NFC) for South Africa with respect to the Djibouti Code of Conduct
- Initiate response to reported/detected oil pollution in accordance with South Africa's National Contingency Plan for the prevention and combating of pollution from ships and offshore installations
- Provision of Maritime Assistance Service (MAS) to vessels experiencing difficulties at sea
- Monitoring vessel traffic in South African territorial, Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and South African Search and Rescue Region (SSR) waters
- Provide guidance on Aids to Navigation (AtoN) matters
