SOUTH AFRICA: Since its inception some 15 years ago, the Southern Ocean Carbon and Climate Observatory (SOCCO) more than 80 ocean climate scientists, engineers and technicians are now skilled in advanced robotics, modelling, satellite remote sensing, ocean chemistry and more have been developed thanks to the investment in research by the CSIR and the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI).

NIGERIA: Meeting to evaluate the maritime operations and exercises, the 4th ECOWAS Sub-Committee of Chiefs of Naval Staff Meeting took place at the end of February in Abuja, Nigeria.

The African Energy Chamber (AEC) has enlisted international consulting firm, Stryk Global Diplomacy (SGD), to support oil and gas engagement between the US and Africa in a bid to ensure that the continent’s energy interests are effectively represented

SEYCHELLES: Specifically designed for coastal defence duties, patrol and surveillance, a new Fast Interceptor Craft, PB Boudeuse, was officially handed over to the Seychelles Defence Force by the Indian Government at a ceremony last week.

SOUTH AFRICA: “Our competitors in the broader Southern African region have taken advantage of challenges in the South African logistics sector,” Minister of Transport, Barbara Creecy told guests at the launch of the World Bank Driving Inclusive Growth in South Africa Report on Friday.

SOUTH AFRICA: According to a Marine Information Notice issued by the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) at the beginning of the month, the authority will begin a four-month auditing campaign in the fishing industry as of March to address safety issues in the sector.

SOUTH AFRICA: Offering financial assistance with the goal to promote localisation of the South African marine manufacturing supply chain, the Aerospace Industry Support Initiative (AISI) presented information on how to apply and benefit from the financial assistance they offer during a stakeholder engagement in Cape Town yesterday.

While the need for regulations to control the environmental risks associated with the offshore ship-to-ship transfer of bunker fuel is needed, the media statement issued by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) includes unnecessarily alarmist language that is nuanced to prompt journalists on the receiving end to infer that the practice is currently unregulated and at risk of causing major catastrophes such as explosions, deaths and uncontrolled environmental damage. The reality is that there are strict compliance requirements in place for bunker operators and, although the proposed DFFE regulations fill some gaps, they also seem at odds with the existing SAMSA Bunkering Code of Practice. Editor, Colleen Jacka weighs in on the new proposed regulations in the light of the current status quo.