We would like to bring into attention to our members that the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) has issued a Marine Notice no. 13 of 2017 relating to all vessels requiring a place of refuge in South Africa for repairs following an incident on board.

Click here to download the pdf»

South Africa has always adopted a positive approach when it comes to vessels that have been immobilised due to an incident on board or vessels that have had to stop or anchor in order to carry out repairs provided the owner of the vessel makes a prompt application to SAMSA providing full disclosure behind the purpose of the stop. There are several safe anchorages along the South African coast where one can lay-up a vessel depending on the wind and swell which is seasonal. This was set out in Marine Notice no. 10 of 2016.

Unfortunately, a number of vessels have recently closed the South African coast and had failed to comply with Marine Notice no 10. of 2016 with regard to reporting of the incident. Marine Notice 13 of 2017 now provides that “any person” receiving information regarding a vessel that may require assistance in any form with respect to seaworthiness or safety or a potential similar situation to report this to MRCC.

The notice is a little vague with regard to definitions but “any person” we would take to mean a ships agent, ship repairer, P&I correspondent, surveyor, salvor, lawyer and insurer (P&I Club, H&M Insurer). 

As soon as the passage plan changes from an innocent voyage through South African waters, the master must supply the following information to SAMSA via MRCC:

1. Name and Port Of Registry;
2. IMO Number;
3. Dimensions including draft;
4. Nature of reason the vessel requires entry;
5. Requested assistance/permission;
6. Plan of action;
7. Class Society;
8. P&I Club;
9. Hull and Machinery Insurers;
10. Number of crew on-board (crew list);
11. Cargo type/quantity and distribution on board;
12. Quantity/type of Bunkers and other pollutants on-board;
13. Contact details of owner/operator/manager and agent;
14. Master’s contact details, email, Sat C;
15. Last 6 Port State Control Inspection reports;
16. List of certificates with dates of expiry;
17. Owners nominated Agents;
18. Notification of ISPS application/clearance;
19. Last port of call/loading and next port of call/discharge.

 On receipt of the abovementioned information, SAMSA may put a surveyor on board the vessel to investigate the nature and extent of the problem/incident.

If SAMSA consider that there is any threat of pollution they will require that a SAMSA approved salvage tug will be required to stand off or be connected or to escort the vessel through the South African Exclusive Economic Zone. They have not defined what a SAMSA approved salvage tug is but we believe this to be a tug of sufficient bollard pull required in order to keep the vessel from closing the coast.

Marine Notice no 10 of 2016 is attached as a reminder which sets out the requirements for SAMSA when Owners are seeking permission for a port or place of refuge. Click here to download»

Mike Heads
Managing Director

29th Floor, Durban Bay House
333 Anton Lembede Street (Smith Street)
Durban, 4001

Tel: +27 031 3011102 ● Fax: +27 031 3011290 ● Mobile: +27 83 453 4899
E- Mail: headsm@pandi.co.za ● Website www.pandi.co.za

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Member Alert is published by The Swedish Club as a service to members. While the information is believed correct, the Club cannot assume responsibility for completeness or accuracy.