We reported previously that 75 countries may face the chop from the IMO “White List” for alleged non-compliance of the relevant provisions of the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978 (STCW)..

South Africa was one among the 75 countries and naturally SAMSA (South African Maritime Safety Authority) was quite concerned and had taken the matter seriously..

It has emerged now that through a series of discussions with the IMO, SAMSA (South African Maritime Safety Authority) has managed to pull back this de-listing.. 🙂

As per a press release by SAMSA, the withdrawal of the threat occurred following to discussions between SAMSA, other Member States of the IMO and the organization during a meeting in London, a week ago..

“Discussions on the matter between the parties concerned came to a conclusion that the drawing up of the list of countries for delisting from the STCW Convention ‘White List’ earlier this year did not follow due process.” said acting Chief Executive Officer of SAMSA, Mr Sobantu Tilayi..

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“The IMO then agreed to withdraw the list of affected countries and to embark on a process that is fair and transparent over the next year or two. Therefore the list that was drawn up will no longer be presented to the IMO Maritime Safety Committee that is scheduled to sit in June.

That therefore, basically means that South Africa is no longer facing a threat of being delisted from the IMO STCW Convention White List.

That notwithstanding, as we indicated earlier, South Africa remains on course to complete its compliance work during the period that we understood to be required. In fact, we will have completed the work by the end of 2019, way ahead of schedule as we have now begun to speed up the process, with assistance we have sought from the IMO,” added Mr Tilayi.

In a video message to SAMSA Stakeholders Mr Tilayi expressed gratitude for the support the organization received as well as input some stakeholders made.

He says: “We also faced harsh criticism which in some cases was truly misplaced as, at no time did we not do what was needed. We had areas of disagreement with the IMO in terms of our submissions and which are still being working on. However, this by no means implied failure on our part to do what was required.

“Many of our stakeholders stood by us and supported us. For this we are grateful and wish to assure them that SAMSA will ensure that South Africa remains on the IMO STCW Convention White List,” said Mr Tilayi..

Well done to SAMSA and hope to receive the goods news of the full compliance..

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