SOUTH AFRICA: Reacting to advice from the Natal Sharks Board, the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality has closed all of Durban’s beaches following heavy rains which have caused damage to shark nets along the coast.

SOUTH AFRICA: The South African Maritime Safety Authority has announced the appointment of a new Acting CEO (ACEO) as well as the reinstatement of the Chief Operating Officer (COO) who has been on suspension for over two years.

INTERNATIONAL: One of the two requirements that will see the 2012 Cape Town Agreement (CTA) come into force was reached yesterday when the Republic of Nicaragua became the 22^nd State to become party to the Agreement by depositing its instrument of accession.

SOUTH AFRICA: Strategically located along the Atlantic Ocean, Cape Town’s blue economy is a significant contributor to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and the annual boat show, boatica, is continuing to evolve to boost the city’s profile in this sector.

SOUTH AFRICA:  Six maritime start-ups from six countries signed on to a five-day bootcamp hosted by OceanHub Africa at their Cape Town offices last week.

SOUTH AFRICA: Now in its second edition, the South African Journal of Maritime Education and Training (SAJMET), published annually by the South African International Maritime Institute (SAIMI), has issued a call for original paper submissions.

SOUTH AFRICA: With a maritime career that was launched in the South African Navy where she served as a Combat Officer for 12 years, Mandy Erasmus has joined Seatrain in the position of Training Officer.

SOUTH AFRICA: Roisin Povall joined the Southern Power team at the beginning of this month as the new General Manager.