Cape Town, South Africa – Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga officially welcomed the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) audit team to South Africa. The team is in the country to conduct a mandatory audit under the IMO’s Member State Audit Scheme (IMSAS). Speaking at the opening meeting in Cape Town on Monday, Minister Chikunga described the audit as a significant step for South Africa in maintaining international standards and compliance in maritime operations.
According to South African Government News Agency, the IMO, a specialized agency of the United Nations which South Africa joined in 1995, plays a crucial role in regulating and promoting responsible shipping globally. South Africa’s participation in the IMO enables the country to contribute to the development of international maritime policies and standards, focusing on maritime safety, pollution prevention, and the welfare of seafarers. The country benefits from IMO initiatives supporting capacity building, technical assistance, and development in the maritime sector.
The IMO’s audit scheme establishes a regulatory framework for the shipping industry that ensures fairness, effectiveness, and universal adoption and implementation. It also fosters a safe, secure, and efficient shipping environment. The audit will scrutinize key areas, including ship safety, security, and environmental protection measures, to ensure South Africa’s compliance with international maritime conventions and alignment with global standards set by the IMO.
South Africa has reviewed the Comprehensive Maritime Transport Policy, with key pieces of legislation like the Merchant Shipping Act, the Marine Pollution Bill, and the Oil Pollution Preparedness Response and Cooperation Bill under revision and soon to be enacted. These legislative updates are vital for fully implementing IMO conventions and ensuring compliance and enforcement in South African territorial waters.
The IMSAS audit, postponed in 2021 due to COVID-19, begins with preparatory work by entities responsible for maritime policy, legislation, and operations. Following the audit, a preliminary outcome report is expected by the end of the week-long undertaking. The audit team will assess various departments and agencies, including the Department of Transport, the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA), the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre, and others involved in maritime activities.
Minister Chikunga emphasized that compliance is not just a regulatory obligation but a commitment to the wellbeing of oceans, the safety of seafarers, and the sustainability of maritime trade, crucial for South Africa’s export-driven economy. The audit is seen as a reflection of the nation’s maritime quality assurance and a means to improve standards for a safe, secure, and environmentally sound maritime industry along South Africa’s coastline.