Cabinet has approved the Merchant Shipping Amendment Bill to be tabled in Parliament. This Bill is expected to improve the operations and image of the maritime industry and aims to amend the Merchant Shipping Act, No. 57 of 1951.

The Department of Transport which published the Bill for public comment in September 2013 states it is imperative to align it to the values and provisions of the Constitution and also align it to current International Conventions.

The alignment of domestic legislation to the Conventions provides South Africa with a global instrument to ensure global protection to the rights of seafarers and decent working and living conditions.

It will also enable South Africa to intervene in cases where foreign ships entering South African harbours have contravened the rights of seafarers.

 

(source: SAnews.gov.za)