Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga officially welcomed the International Maritime Organization (IMO) audit team to conduct a mandatory audit under the IMO Member State Audit Scheme (Imsas) on Monday.
This will be followed by a preliminary audit outcome report, expected to be submitted at the end of the week-long visit.
The IMO, which South Africa joined in 1995, is a United Nations agency responsible for regulating and promoting responsible shipping on a global scale. South Africa, through the Department of Transport, engages with the IMO to implement international maritime regulations and standards within its maritime jurisdiction, specifically relating to international maritime conventions.
South Africa undertook a voluntary Imsas in 2008 and February 2016. A total of 113 audits have been completed in 28 African countries to date.
Apart from South Africa, Benin is the other African country scheduled for an audit before the end of 2023.
A number of state entities will be audited, including the department’s implementing agency responsible for maritime administration and the South African Maritime Safety Authority (Samsa). – SAnews.gov.za
