MaritimeSA Industry Headline News

MaritimeSA (www.maritimesa.co.za) reports a number of important industry headline news. Log onto their site for further info on the following headlines:

• Oceana converts seasonal employment to permanent jobs
• Sub-saharan trade starting to suffer from piracy
• Working for the Coast project launched
• SADC to host anti-piracy summit
• SA Navy in Zanzibar in search and rescue ops
• SA helps Tanzania after ferry capsizes
• Maritime University on the cards for South Africa
• Deputy Minister open Nautical Command Seminar
• Transnet buys new equipment for Durban Port
• Seli 1 continues to cause concern
• New truck entrance at the port of Cape Town

DAFF Moves to Clean Up Interim Relief List

The fraudster and con-man known as Yusuf Achmat (Malafa Fishing CC) has been removed as a beneficiary of an interim relief lobster quota, making way for a deserving and honest fisherman who actually relies on fishing for a living.

In July, Feike was alerted to the fact that Mr Achmat's name appeared on the proposed Interim Relief List for 2011/2012. Feike addressed correspondence to the Department advising that Achmat could not qualify for an interim relief quota as he does not satisfy the department's published criteria. Feike noted, inter alia, that -

1. Mr Achmat is known to have defrauded a number of commercial fishing companies by posing as the holder/owner/authorised representative of commercial fishing rights in the lobster offshore and small pelagic fisheries. Feike provided copies of bank statements showing Achmat's receipt of funds totaling more than R200 000 and his fraudulent signature on a number of agreements.

2. Mr Achmat poses as the owner of Malafa Fishing Fishing CC (a defunct entity of which he is not a member) and fraudulently advertises that he/Malafa owns an offshore lobster commercial fishing right amounting to 15 tons.

The department advises that it had attempted to obtain Achmat's response to the allegations put forward by Feike but refused to answer his mobile phone and refused to respond to written requests to attend a meeting of the verification team. The Department has also advised that all fishery control officers have been informed that Achmat is not permitted to lawfully harvest any fish.

Government Accepts Feike's Analysis of Fisheries

The South African government's Service Delivery Review publication, which aims to publicise examples of service delivery by state departments, provides an in-depth analysis of the success of broad based black economic empowerment in the South African commercial fisheries with particular reference to the hake deep sea trawl fishery.

The publication can be accessed via http://www.dpsa.gov.za/dpsa2g/documents/service_delivery_review/sdr_Vol_8_No_3_2011.pdf

SELI 1 Leaks Oil onto Blouberg Beach

The Seli 1 leaked more oil on 3 September 2011 which washed up onto Blouberg Beach today. The smell of oil was still very pungent by 14h00 but had largely dissipated by 17h00. The City of Cape Town had cordoned off access to the beach and had largely cleaned up the beach of significant oil deposits by 17h00.

Although not a substantial spill, some sea life has been affected with the City reporting the death of 4 gulls and seals. The beach has been closed to all recreational activity.

The Seli 1 is a Turkish bulk carrier, operated by TEB Maritime of Istanbul, and was en route to Gibraltar when it was driven aground off Blouberg beach by strong westerly winds shortly after midnight on 18 September 2009, having reported engine failure and a snapped anchor chain.

The ship was carrying a cargo of 30 000 tons of coal, and 660 tonnes of heavy fuel oil with 60 tons of diesel fuel. The vessel was essentially abandoned by its insurers, the Russian P&I Pool and its owner.

Seafarer of the Year Nominations

The second SAMSA Seafarer of the Year call for nominations has been published. The maritime industry will once again recognise the significant contribution made by South African seafarers when they come together in October to announce the SAMSA Seafarer of the Year. This year’s winner will be chosen from the thousands of men and women who have followed their vocation to sea. Fishermen, salvors, merchant mariners, offshore riggers, engineers, harbour pilots and rescue crew all play a major role in moving trade, harvesting resources and keeping our waters safe. The South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) has once again stepped up to honour the commitment made by these individuals and promises to host a memorable evening on 22 October where winners will be chosen in the following categories:

• Fishing
• Commercial
• Shore-based
• Overall SAMSA Seafarer of the Year

Having established the Centre for Seafarers in 2010 (The International Year of the Seafarer), SAMSA continued their support for this sector in 2011 when they launched the SAMSA Cadet Programme that aims to secure training berths for young South Africans keen to embark on a career at sea. Smit Amandla Marine, Grindrod Group, Business Partners and Maritime Southern Africa have all joined up to honour seafarers at this year’s function. For more information, including accessing the nomination form, please see http://maritimesa.co.za/SOYA/tabid/88/Default.aspx