The South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) is a South African government agency responsible for the implementation of current international and national regulations regarding the maritime industry as well as upon all recreational marine vessels within its jurisdiction.[1]
Agency overview | |
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Formed | 1 April 1998 |
Jurisdiction | South African exclusive economic zone |
Headquarters | 146 Lunnon Road, Hillcrest, Pretoria |
Annual budget | R 590.8 million (2023/24) |
Parent department | Department of Transport |
Website | https://www.samsa.org.za |
It is mandated in ensuring the safety of life and property at sea, preventing and combating of pollution of the marine environment by ships and promotion of the Republic’s maritime interests.
It was established on 1 April 1998 as a result of the South African Maritime Safety Authority Act 5 of 1998.[1]
It is subordinate to the Minister of Transport, who heads the Department of Transport. Despite it being a marine authority, its head office is located in Pretoria, at least 500 km away from the nearest ocean.[3]
SAMSA administers the South African ship register.[4]
In July 2012 the authority acquired the former Antarctic supply vessel S. A. Agulhas as a training ship.[5]