MARITIME REVIEW AFRICA
NEWS ROUND-UP MARCH 2019
SECURITY
Workshop aims to address a lack of coordinated emergency response SOUTH AFRICA: Speaking at a two-day workshop in Durban, Sobantu Tilayi, Acting CEO of the South African Maritime and Safety Authority (SAMSA) admitted that the country does not have a coordinated emergency response to deal with incidents such as tsunami or rogue wave or other maritime disasters. Maritime stakeholders were attending a two-day workshop aimed at coordinating South Africa’s response in the event of a maritime disaster or emergency. Hosted by SAMSA the workshop drew representatives from the Navy and police force as well as private sector stakeholders, including the private health sector and tourism companies PEOPLE AND EVENTS
Endurance sailing regatta provides excellent training for Sea Cadets SOUTH AFRICA: Sea Cadets from TS Woltemade, Lakeside, entered two Saldanha dinghies and crews for the annual MAC24 Hour challenge hosted by the Milnerton Aquatic Club on 9 March. Under the watchful eye of four Midshipmen they joined the other teams in camping out for two nights. The aim of the race is to sail a course on the vlei for a 24 hour period. Crew changes are permitted and different sailing conditions are experienced as per Cape Town’s weather patterns. Water safety is paramount with life jackets being mandatory, rescue boats and NSRI active on the water.
The south wester wind on Saturday afternoon resulted in the race being halted until appropriate dingy sailing conditions were experienced. This was after several dinghies capsized, including the two Sea Cadets Saldanha’s. The TS Woltemade crew put their capsize drill into effect and the Sea Cadets effectively managed their own safety while directing the dinghies towards the shore at “submarine” stations. The crew ashore and rescue boats assisted in recovering both dinghies which added to the practical seamanship experience and teamwork opportunities already provided by the MAC24. As a result one Saldanha
was holed with a 10 cm hole below the water line. No “leak stopping or shoring” would suffice and damage to the mast and rigging resulted in this boat having to withdraw from the race. Sailing proceeded several hours later and officially ended at 12h00 on Sunday, however Traditionally most boats continue for another hours to compete for the 25 Hour Bar-One challenge. The remaining Sea Cadets Saldanha completed this challenge too. As a result of their excellent seamanship and teamwork the TS Woltemade Sea Cadets were awarded the “Bootle” Bailing Trophy – Best Team Spirt Award by the MAC24 Hour committee.
“What happens in the event of a tsunami or rogue wave or other maritime disaster?” asked Tilayi. “The answer at the moment is that there is no coordinated marine emergency response. That is why SAMSA, as the custodian of South Africa’s maritime interests and resources and the agency responsible for ensuring safety of life and property at sea, felt it was imperative that we host this conference. “We know, in the event of an emergency or disaster, that the speed and efficacy of the response is critical to minimise loss of life and damage to property. SAMSA is determined to ensure that South Africa is properly equipped to respond in the event of a maritime emergency or disaster.” Topics which are being discussed include: Taking stock of what remains of the architecture for marine emergency response for South Africa Reassessing what is required and the technologies that can support or assist Discussing the new challenges brought about by climate change Assessing the gap between what it is place and what is required and discussing how to address the gap.
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