Samsa Launches Vessel Safety Audits

The South African Maritime Safety Authority Samsa has launched a comprehensive Fishing Vessel Safety Audit aimed at enhancing standards in the sector.

Samsa said the audits commenced on 4 March and would be conducted over a four-month period across all major fishing ports.

The initiative follows a directive from Transport Minister, Barbara Creecy, issued in late 2024, instructing Samsa to intensify efforts to ensure compliance with national and international maritime safety regulations.

Creecy issued the directive after two serious fishing boat incidents occurred last year, including the sinking of the MFV Lepanto that claimed the lives of 11 crew on 17 May and a fire aboard the 62-year-old MFV Armana offshore from Gansbaai on 13 October. All crew were safely rescued off the MFV Armana .

Samsa said its audit team had started with inspections in Gqeberha this week, which will run from 4-7 March. It said the team would be engaging with vessel owners, crew members and industry stakeholders to ensure full cooperation and compliance.

The audits will focus on identifying potential risks, assessing operational safety practices, and strengthening emergency preparedness on South African-registered fishing vessels, Samsa said.

The objectives of the safety audits include:

Ensuring compliance: Verifying that fishing vessels meet all applicable safety requirements.

Enhancing safety: Identifying and mitigating risks that could lead to accidents or loss of life at sea.

Assessing preparedness: Evaluating emergency response measures to improve crew safety and readiness.

Samsa Acting CEO, Mbali Golding, said: Samsa remains committed to protecting lives, property, and the marine environment by ensuring that South Africas 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.

The safety authority said it had issued Marine Information Notice No. 6 of 2025, informing the fishing industry about the upcoming safety audits and urging all vessel operators to participate in this critical exercise.