About applying for a local fishing vessel licence
To operate a local fishing vessel in South Africa, the vessel must be registered with the South African flag state. You must apply for a safety certificate from the South African Maritime Safety Authority (Samsa) and a fishing vessel licence from the Department of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries in Cape Town.
To qualify, you must be a:
- South African with full ownership and control of the vessel, or
- a body corporate, society or other association registered in South Africa in which a South African controls the majority of shares and voting rights.
A local fishing vessel includes all gear, equipment, stores, cargo and fuel on board. It may also include assisting one or more vessels at sea in the performance of any activity relating to fishing.
These activities include, but are not limited to:
- preparation
- supply
- storage
- refrigeration
- transportation or processing
- direct engagement in fishing activities within the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)/international waters under the flag state of South Africa.
Note: It is unlawful to use an unregistered vessel. If you do not have fishing rights, you must have a contract with the fishing right holder to operate your vessel.
A commercially registered fishing vessel may not be used for recreational purposes.
Commercially registered fishing vessels are linked to a specific fishing right and can be used for that right only.
The validity period of the fishing vessel license is linked to the validity period of the SAMSA certificate. The fishing vessel licence is valid for the same period as the SAMSA certificate.
How long does it take
The application may take three working days or more, from date of confirmation of payment, provided you have lodged your application properly.
How much does it cost
Tariffs for each service is reflected on the application form.
Contact any SAMSA office for cost information for a safety certificate.