New small vessel regulations focus on safety

SAMSA calls for comment on draft legislation

SOUTH AFRICA: Commercial small vessels under 25 gross tonnes will be subjected to new safety requirements under the proposed Merchant Shipping (National Small Vessel Safety) Regulations, 2024 when the 2007 regulations are repealed.

The South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) will be hosting a serious of engagements in Cape Town, Durban, Gqeherha and Pretoria to discuss the draft regulations from 27 February to 8 March; and written comments should be submitted before the 16 March.

The proposed new regulations cover safety certification, vessel safety requirements, crewing, training, as well as special provisions for unregistered pleasure vessels.

DOWNLOAD THE DRAFT REGULATIONS NOW

WORKSHOPS

27 February 2024           Cape Town        Anew Hotel Greenpoint
01 March 2024               Durban             Garden Court Marine Parade/Tambo Parade
05 March 2024               Gqeberha          Garden Court Kings Beach
08 March 2024               Pretoria            Hotel @ Hatfield

Technical assistance offered to developing countries

3069

FREE WEBINARS

2Oct2026

COMMUNITIES & ECOSYSTEMS UNDER PRESSURE: LIVELIHOODS AND MARINE BIODIVERSITY

10/2/2026 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM

This session explores the human and ecological impacts of mass strandings from two complementary perspectives: the lived experiences of coastal communities and the scientific evidence of how sargassum influxes are transforming marine ecosystems.

7Oct2026

SAFEGUARDING, PRESERVING AND RESTORING GLOBAL KELP FORESTS

10/7/2026 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

The session will bring together perspectives on current initiatives, emerging challenges and practical actions to strengthen kelp forest conservation and restoration in South Africa and beyond.

7Oct2026

ILLICIT DRUG TRADE BETWEEN NORTH AMERICA AND AFRICA: ROUTES, PATTERNS AND RESPONSES

10/7/2026 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

The Africa Center invites you to a webinar, in collaboration with the Institute for Security Studies–Africa, to examine the linkages between Western Hemisphere cartel activity and drug trafficking in and through West Africa, as well as to discuss West African government responses and their implications for international security. The webinar is open to all Africa Center alumni, partners, communities of interest, and US government colleagues.

RSS

1 2

RSS Upcoming Events

5 Oct 2026 INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON MARINE BIOINVASIONS 10/5/2026 - 10/7/2026

The International Conference on Marine Bioinvasions (ICMB) is an international forum where scientists and policy makers from around the world meet to review current challenges in the global management of invasive marine organisms and to share new developments in science and policy.

20 Oct 2026 AFRICAN BOATING CONFERENCE 2026 10/20/2026 - 10/21/2026

Following the landmark success of ABC 2025, Africa’s premier B2B recreational boating conference is back. Join us as we continue to unite the continent’s marine industry and drive economic growth through collaboration, innovation, and strategic partnerships.

22 Oct 2026 INTERNATIONAL AFRICAN ENERGY, OIL AND GAS SUMMIT 10/22/2026 - 10/25/2026

The Organising Committee of the International African Energy, Oil and Gas Summit (IAEOGS 2026), in collaboration with strategic partners and co-host Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST), has officially issued a global call for delegates, sponsors, and exhibitors to converge in Windhoek.