Merchant Shipping Bill

The Portfolio Committee on Transport invites you to submit written comments on the Merchant Shipping Bill [B 12 – 2023].

The Bill seeks:
• to provide for the powers and duties of the Minister and the South African Maritime Safety Authority in the administration of this Act 
• to provide for the registration, permitting, and licensing of ships and the establishment and operation of a shipping information centre in the Republic
• to provide for the application of labour laws to seafarers
• to provide for the conditions of employment of seafarers and the health and well-being of seafarers on board a vessel 
• to promote the safety of life at sea
• to establish inspection and enforcement mechanisms including those for marine casualties and crimes committed on ships 
• to provide for the regulation of marine traffic
• to provide for legal proceedings and jurisdictional matters 
• to recognise and incorporate into domestic law, international conventions to which the Republic is bound in terms of the Constitution 
• to repeal certain Acts
• to provide a transitional framework for the new provisions of this Act; and 
• to provide for matters incidental thereto.

Enquiries, as well as written submissions can be emailed to Ms Valerie Carelse at [email protected] by no later than Friday, 25 October 2024

 In addition to the written comments, please indicate your interest in making a verbal presentation to the Committee.

The closing date for submissions is 25 October 2024.

Issued by Mr SD Selamolela, MP, Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Transport.


Track the bill here

How to write a submission