The Department of Transport has made South African maritime history by establishing an Incident Management Organisation (IMOrg).

According to the department the aim of the IMOrg is to maintain a national system for preparedness and response to major marine pollution. The organisation will also assist in helping South Africa assess its level of preparedness and response.

The IMOrg will also ensure that there is a standardised national approach towards managing oil spills in the South African coastline.

The organisation consists of institutions such as the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA), National Disaster Management Centre, Petroleum Agency of South Africa, Department of Environmental Affairs and Department of Mineral and Resources.

Part of the IMOrg’s responsibilities includes managing oil and gas spillages, as well as undertaking sea rescue missions for distraught vessels and seafarers within the 2 798 kilometre South African coastline.

The organisation is chaired by the department and has adopted the Incident Management System (IMS) as the preferred model for oil spill response in the marine environment. The use of IMS is promoted by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to which South Africa is a Member State.

The IMOrg is also endorsed by the Ocean Economy Inter-Ministerial Committee on Operation Phakisa.