The South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) launches its nationwide Fishing Vessel Safety Audit to assess compliance with safety regulations in the commercial fishing sector
The Minister of Transport, Hon. Barbara Creecy directed the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) to conduct safety inspections of all South African commercial fishing vessels operating in South African waters.
This comes after serious fishing incidents that occurred in South Africa’s waters in 2024 that resulted in the tragic loss of eighteen (18) fishers’ lives. These Fishing Vessel Safety Audits will be conducted over a four-month period and will cover all major fishing ports across South Africa with the first phase beginning at the Port of Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha) from 3 to 7 March 2025.
The launch event, held in Gqeberha on Wednesday, 5 March 2025 was attended by the SAMSA Board Chairperson, Mr Mahesh Fakir, the Deputy Chairperson, Mr Tau Morwe and Acting CEO, Ms Mbalenhle Golding, reflecting the Authority’s commitment to improving maritime safety. The launch also received substantial media coverage, highlighting the importance of the initiative.
The SAMSA audit team began inspections in Port Elizabeth engaging with vessel owners, crew members, and industry representatives to assess compliance, identify risks, and evaluate emergency preparedness. The audit will continue in Gqeberha throughout this week before moving to other ports in the coming months.
SAMSA Acting CEO Mbalenhle Golding emphasised the importance of the initiative, stating: “SAMSA remains committed to protecting lives, property, and the marine environment by ensuring that South Africa’s fishing industry adheres to the highest safety standards. The audits play a vital role in shaping a robust Fishing Vessel Safety Improvement Plan, aimed at preventing future maritime incidents.”
SAMSA encouraged all fishing vessel operators to cooperate fully with the audit teams and actively participate in this essential safety initiative.
As part of this initiative, SAMSA has issued Marine Information Notice No. 6 of 2025, (dated 7 February 2025) informing the fishing industry about the upcoming safety audits and urging all vessel operators to participate in this critical exercise. The complete marine notice can be found here
SAMSA remains committed to protecting lives, property, and the marine environment by ensuring that South Africa’s fishing industry adheres to the highest safety standards. The audits will play a vital role in shaping a robust Fishing Vessel Safety Improvement Plan, aimed at preventing future maritime incidents.
All relevant stakeholders are encouraged to engage with their audit teams and support this initiative to build a safer and more resilient maritime sector.
Source : SAMSA
