Revision 1.1 - January 2002
Class VII -
Class VIIA -
Class VIII -
< 500 GT
A ship (other than a ship of class VIIA, X, XI or XII) engaged on voyages any of which are international voyages other than short international voyages.
A ship employed as a whale factory ship or as a fish processing or canning factory ship, or a ship engaged in the carriage of persons in the whaling industry or the fish processing industry.
A ship (other than a ship of class X, XI or XII) engaged on voyages in the Republic or on short international voyages.



OWNERS/ OPERATORS ARE ADVISED THAT SAMSA REGARDS THE NON-PROVISION OF SAFE
ACCESS TO VESSELS IN A SERIOUS LIGHT. THIS REQUIREMENT IS FOR ALL PERSONS
REQUIRING ACCESS TO VESSELS (NOT JUST SURVEYORS).SAMSA SURVEYORS WILL ISSUE A
“PROHIBITION ORDER”, REQUIRING THAT ALL WORK ON BOARD BE HALTED UNTIL ACCESS
IS PROVIDED TO THE SATISFACTION OF THE SURVEYOR, IF THE NON-PROVISION OF A SAFE
ACCESS IS NOTED AT ANY TIME.
CHECK ITEM
CERTIFICATE OF
REGISTRY
(MSA Sect 13 & 15)
SAFETY &
MANNING CERT’s
(MSA Sect 73, 194)
I.O.P.P
CERTIFICATE
(MARPOL Annex 1 Reg 4)
OIL RECORD BOOK
(MARPOL Annex 1
Reg 20)
S.O.P.E.P MANUAL
(MARPOL Annex 1
Reg 26)
NOTES
The original Certificate of Registry must be on board. The information on the certificate must be correct.
The surveyor may want to sight the certificates of competency, so have them aboard. The vessel’s current LGSC (original copy) must be prominently displayed on board.
Vessels of over 400 Gross Register Tons (GT) require an
International Oil Pollution Prevention Certificate.
Vessels over 400 GT must maintain an oil record book. Part I of the book must be correctly filled in and up to date. Entries must be made whenever bilges are pumped, fuel is transferred, bunkers are taken or slops are landed. Receipts for slops landed must be kept.
Vessels over 400 GT must have a SHIPBOARD OIL POLLUTION
EMERGENCY PLAN on board which has been approved by
SAMSA.
- The plan must have been read and signed by at least one of the
ships officers.
- The oil pollution equipment listed in the plan must be on board and may be sighted by the surveyor.
- The plans as listed in the manual must be kept with the manual and be up to date.
- The contact numbers must be correct and up to date.
A valid “DRY DOCKING CERTIFICATE” must be on board.
HULL CERTIFICATE
(Const Reg 193)
LOAD LINE
CERTIFICATE
(MSA Sect 204 to 207)
RADIO
CERTIFICATE
(MSA Sect 190)
Vessels with a registered length of over 14 metres require a Load Line and/or Load Line Exemption certificate.
STABILITY BOOK
(MSA Sect 226)
(S of N reg 7)
COMPASS DEVIATION
CARD/BOOK (MSA Sect
228 & S of N Reg 13 & 14)
NAUTICAL CHARTS
These are carried out by I.C.A.S.A. on behalf of SAMSA.
Please note that the Local General Safety Certificate may not be issued until I.C.A.S.A has reported that the condition of the installed radio equipment is satisfactory.
A SAMSA approved stability book must be on board. Any special operating instructions must be posted in the wheelhouse and in the engine room, if appropriate.
The validity of a deviation card is one year. A compass deviation book may be maintained in lieu of having the compass swung annually by a qualified compass adjuster.
Charts for the area of operation are to be corrected and up to date.



AND
PUBLICATIONS
(S of N Reg 15)
(Pubs Reg 6)
LIFE RAFTS
(LSA Reg 25)
RESCUE BOAT
(LSA Reg 31A, Annex 24
FIRE FIGHTING
APPLIANCES
(LSA Reg 118)
)
GAS CERTIFICATE
(Const Reg 159)
(Const Reg 179)
(Const Reg 180)
MEDICAL &
MEDICAL LOCKER
(MSA Sect 101, 167 & 168)
AIR RECEIVER(S)
ELECTRICAL
LIFTING APPLIANCES
(MOS Reg 17)
OFFICIAL LOG
BOOK
(MSA Sect 182)
ARTICLES OF
AGREEMENT (MSA
Sect 102 & LSA Reg 46)
SHIP
MANEUVERING
DATA
(M-Notice 18 of 1991)
OCCUPATIONAL
SAFETY
(MOS Reg 3, 10, 11 &12)
A Chart Reference Catalogue, International Code of Signals,
MERSAR Manual (IMO), the latest summary of SA Notices to
Mariners, applicable SAMSA Marine Notices, Navigation Tables,
Tide Tables, Sailing Directions, Mariners Handbook, Nautical
Almanac, List of Lights and List of Radio Signals must also be on board.
The annual inspection/service certificate needs to be on board and may be sighted by the surveyor.
The annual inspection/service certificate needs to be on board and may be sighted by the surveyor. The survey may require that the launching and recovery of the rescue boat be demonstrated.
The annual inspection/service certificate needs to be on board and may be sighted by the surveyor. Servicing of appliances must be carried out by a SAMSA approved “DOTFAS” station.
If a gas stove is fitted, an annual service certificate must be on board and may be sighted by the surveyor.
The surveyor may want to sight each crew members medical certificate.
A current certificate of inspection (validity = 1 year) from a Doctor or
Pharmacist on board as well as the Ship Captains Medical Book .
If the Main Engines are air started, air receiver pressure test and relief valve service records must be held. Air receivers must be hydraulically pressure tested and safety valves overhauled every 4 years.
Certification of any electrical testing carried out must be on board.
An insulation test is to be carried out every 4 years (circuits > 50V).
The resistance between all insulated circuits and earth may not be less than 100 000 ohms.
All deck lifting appliances (Davits, cranes, etc) are to have valid load test certificates and be marked with their Safe Working Loads (SWL).
On vessels over 100 GT a Log Book must be on board and have been correctly filled in with regard to occurrences on board (See sect 133 &
183 of the MSA).
- Required on vessels over 100 GT.
- Articles are correctly filled in and up to date.
- A list of persons on board is to be maintained on vessel < 100 GT
Required on vessels over 100 GT. Providing information on the vessel speed corresponding to Slow, Half and Full ahead and time elapsed and distance travelled to stop in the water when going from full ahead to full astern (“crash-stop”).
- A copy of the Maritime Occupational Safety Regulations, 1994
must be on board.
- One of the ships officers must be appointed (in writing!) as the
safety officer.
- A safety committee must have been appointed (in writing!) on
board, designating the Master as the chairman and the safety
officer and safety representative(s) as members.
- A file or log book must be maintained containing recordings of
safety meetings, checks of safety equipment and repairs or
servicing of safety equipment.



CHECK ITEM
NAVIGATION
LIGHTS
(Coll Regs Rule 23, 27 &
30)
- A copy of the publication “Code of Safe Working Practices for
Merchant seaman” published by Her Majesty’s stationary office
(UK) must be on board.
CHECK ITEM
FLARES
(LSA Reg 46)
FLAGS
(S of N Reg 54(3))
LIFE SAVING
SIGNALS CARD
(LSA Reg 46)
SIGNALING LAMP
(MSA Sect 229)
GENERAL ALARM
FIRE ALARM
NOTES
- 12 x Parachute flares.
- To be stored in a watertight container.
- 2 x 15 min M.O.B smoke markers on class VII & VIIA vessels
- Flags N, C, W, V, Q.
- Vessels operating in international waters require a full set of flags.
- To be kept in waterproof container with the distress signals.
- Required on vessels over 100 GT.
- A ship and portable battery power source is required.
Means must be provided to warn members of the crew in an emergency
In vessels over 30 metres in length, this should be in the form of a
General Alarm operable from the wheelhouse.
- If a fire alarm is fitted, it must be operational.
NOTES
- Masthead light forward (2 nd masthead light aft if > 50m), sidelights,
stern light, “Not-Under-Command” lights (R-R) and anchor light(s).
- NUC and anchor oil lamps are to be provided unless the vessel has
two sources of power available (Battery + Generator set).
- Special purpose vessels may require additional lights
- A ships whistle and bell. Vessels over 100m require a gong. SOUND SIGNALS
(Coll Regs Rule 33)
SHAPES
(Coll Regs Rule 27&30)
DEPTH
( S of N Reg 59)
DIRECTION
(S of N Reg 12, 13 & 14)
(S of N Reg 15A)
- 3 x black spheres able to be rigged to show vessel “Aground” “Not
Under Command” or “At anchor”.
- An echo sounder is required on vessels over 100 GT.
- 1 x magnetic standard compass and 1 x magnetic steering compass
mounted in binnacles on the ships centreline are required.
- A compass deviation book should be maintained by the master. If
this book is not maintained to the satisfaction of the surveyor or if
the compass deviation is regarded as excessive, the compass must
be swung annually by a qualified compass adjuster.
- A sextant and chronometer is required (operators may be exempted
if 2 x independent GPS navigators are provided).



CHECK ITEM
LIFE RAFTS
(LSA Reg 12, 13 & 14)
RESCUE BOAT
(LSA Reg 12, 13, 14, 31A
& Annex 24)
LIFE JACKETS
(LSA Reg 12, 13, 14 & 30)
LINE THROWING
APPARATUS
(LSA Reg 12, 13 & 14)
LIFE BUOYS
(LSA Reg 12, 13, 14 &
29)
NOTES
- At least two SAMSA-approved liferafts, properly stowed, to
accommodate twice the total number of persons on board ie. 200%.
- SAMSA recommends the fitting of hydrostatic release mechanisms.
- A lifeboat or rescue boat stowed in a cradle and be able to be
launched and recovered on one side of the vessel with a full
complement of persons and equipment is required.
- To be SAMSA approved and carry required safety equipment.
- To be maintained in a state of readiness for immediate use.
- Rescue boats may be utilised as work boats provided that they are
able to return to the vessel within 5 minutes in the event of an
emergency.
- Life jackets for all persons must be carried.
- Life jackets must be SOLAS type; SABS and SAMSA approved and
fitted with a SAMSA approved light, plastic whistle and reflective
tape.
- The vessel’s name/number is to be marked on the lifejackets.
- The life jackets are to be stored in a dry, accessible place.
- Required on all Class VII & VIII vessels ie not Class VIIA vessels.
- Must consist of 4 lines and 4 rockets (with means of ignition)
- Remember to check the expiry dates on the rockets and charges
- A minimum of 4 life buoys must be carried.
- For class VII & VIIA vessels 2 life buoys must be fitted with 15 min
M.O.B floats capable of quick release from the bridge.
- One lifebuoy per side of the vessel is to be fitted with a 27m line.
CHECK ITEM
ANCHORS
(Const Reg 168)
(S of N Reg 62)
NOTES
- Vessel’s are to be fitted with an anchor with chain which can
rapidly be deployed. A spare anchor is also to be carried.
- A windlass is required if the anchor weight is > 75 kg.
- The surveyor may require the anchor operation to be demonstrated.
CHECK ITEM
VENTILATION
(Const Reg 165)
NOTES
- Adequate ventilation is to be provided to all spaces.
- Sleeping spaces must be provided with inlet and exhaust ventilators.
EMERGENCY
ESCAPES
(Const Reg 163)
TOILETS
- Air inlets and exhausts must be closable from an external position.
- If more than 10 people are accommodated in a space, a clearly
marked, unobstructed emergency escape must be provided.
STOWAGE OF
GOODS
(MSA Sect 161)
- The vessel should be provided with enough toilets for the mode of
operation. At least one toilet is required.
- Adequate stowage for the crews personal effects must be provided.
- Stores, spares, food, etc may not be stored in the crew
accommodation spaces.



ADJOINING E/R
(Const Reg 163)
GARBAGE
(MARPOL Annex V)
FRIDGES
GALLEY STOVES
(Const Reg 159 & 170)
Where accommodation adjoins machinery spaces, satisfactory sealing arrangements must be provided to prevent the ingress of fumes. A separate access must be provided to such accommodation.
Facilities must be provided for the retention of all plastics on board in accordance with the Garbage plan.
Walk-in fridges must be fitted with “Lock-in” alarms.
- Fuel/power sources must be located outside the galley.
- Remote isolating valves must be fitted to isolate the fuel/power
source.
- If a gas stove is fitted; means must be provided to shut off the gas
supply in the event of the flame being extinguished under any
circumstances.
CHECK ITEM
EMERGENCY
POWER
(S of N Regs 70 & 71)
(LSA Reg 31A, Annex 24,
Part II)
BATTERIES
(Const Reg 170)
GENERAL
(Const Reg 170)
NOTES
Emergency lights must be operational;
- Navigation lights
- in the Engine room, service spaces and accommodation
- at embarkation station.
Batteries must be stored in such a manner that adequate ventilation is provided. Battery boxes/rooms must be provided with a vent pipe fitted with a flash arrester.
Batteries may not be stored in accommodation spaces.
Electrical cabling must be of the flame retardent type.
Electrical cabling must be adequately supported and protected.
Light fittings must be located in such a way that they present no fire risk. All lights must be covered.
CHECK ITEM
ON DECK /
NOTES
- Sufficient hydrants in number so that a single jet of water can reach
ACCOMMODATION
(LSA Regs 80, 81, 85, 92,
93 & 98)
EMERGENCY FIRE
PUMP (LSA Reg 80, 85)
FIRE HOSES
(LSA Reg 106)
IN GALLEY
(LSA Reg 81, 85 & 98)
any part of the vessel, including the engine room, while using only one
length of hose.
- A minimum of 3 fire hoses and spray/jet nozzles must be provided (2
for class VIII vessels).
- A suitable portable fire extinguisher must be provided per
accommodation/crew space but in any case not less than 3 in total (Not
less than 2 for class VIII vessels less than 21.3 m in length).
On class VII & VIIA vessels, A manually or power operated emergency fire pump is required which must be located outside the machinery space.
- Fire hoses must be of suitable length but not greater than 18.3 m.
- SAMSA strongly recommends that a fire blanket be provided.
- A CO
2
/Dry Powder portable extinguisher must be located at or near
the entrance.



FIREMAN’S SUIT
(LSA Regs 84, 85, 96, 114
& Annex 23)
IN ENGINE ROOM
(LSA Regs 80, 82, 83, 85,
94, 95, 97 & 98)
- Vessels require a firemans suit (Not on class VIII vessels < 150GT).
- Each suit must include a suit, boots, gloves, helmet breathing
apparatus and spare bottle, a fireproof safety line, an adjustable
safety harness, a portable lamp and an insulated fire axe
A fixed fire smothering (steam, CO
2
, etc) system for machinery/boiler
spaces containing an oil fired boiler or incinerator (Not on Class VIII
vessels of less than 150 GT).
- At least 1 x Power driven fire pump capable of delivering at least one
jet of water to all parts of the vessel (On class VIII vessels < 150 GT,
the fire pump may be main engine driven).
- 1 x portable extinguisher per 100 bhp of installed power must be
provided subject to a maximum of 6 and minimum of 2; 50% of which
must be foam and the balance Dry Powder or CO
2
, alternatively; 2 x
portable extinguishers and 1 x 45 litre foam or 16 kg CO
2 extinguisher
may be provided. (For Class VIII vessels < 150 GT, a minimum of 2
portable extinguishers must be provided; 2 of which must be foam with
the balance being Dry Powder or CO
2
.
CHECK ITEM
MAIN ENGINE
NOTES
The Main Engine must be able to be brought into operation when
(Const Regs 152, 155,
178 & 179)
EMERGENCY
ESCAPE
(Const Reg 163)
EXHAUST
LAGGING
(Const Reg 155) initially no power is available to the ship.
- If electric start; a minimum of 1 x charging unit other than the M/E is
required. It is also acceptable if the vessel has twin engines both fitted
with charging units, both being capable of charging both sets of
batteries.
- If air start; a minimum of 1 x air receiver and 1 x compressor is
required. Drain(s) must be fitted for the drainage of condensate
Pressure relief valve(s) must be fitted set at 1.1 x Working Pressure.
- A clearly marked, unobstructed engine room emergency escape is
required.
ROTATING
PARTS
(Const Reg 155)
VENTILATION
(Const Reg 165 & 170)
PUMP SHUT-OFFS
(LSA Reg 115)
FUEL TANKS
(Const Reg 157)
- Exhaust pipes and silencers of internal combustion engines are to be
efficiently cooled, lagged or installed in such a manner that they do
not create a fire hazard (Lagging, if used, must be impervious to oil
or coated so that it is impervious to oil).
- Protective guards are to be provided for all rotating shafts and drive
belts which could result in the injury to crew under normal operating
conditions.
- A minimum of 2 ventilators must be provided for engine rooms.
- Efficient closing arrangements (flaps or plugs) must be provided for
the ventilators.
- Remote (Outside engine room) stopping arrangements must be
provided for any inlet/exhaust fans fitted.
- Remote (Outside engine room) stopping arrangements must be
provided for all fuel transfer pumps and purifiers, if fitted.
- Means must be provided to ascertain the tank level.
- Sounding pipes in the e/r (and in other compartments below the
main deck) must have self-closing cocks.
- Vent pipes are to be fitted with anti-flashback gauze.
 max
= 0.5 mm
of non-corrosive material.



STEERING GEAR
(Const Reg 169 & 188)
CO
2
ALARM
(LSA Reg 82 & 94)
- Shut-off cocks are to be provided at all tank outlets which can be
closed locally and from a remote position (not required if suction
line is not gravity fed).
- Ventilation of fuel spaces is to be adequate.
- An efficient steering and emergency steering arrangement, which
can be rapidly brought into action, is required. By-pass arrangements
are to be fitted on hydraulic steering systems to prevent hydraulic
locks when the emergency steering arrangement is brought into
operation.
- Adequate communication between the wheelhouse and steering flat
must be provided.
- Where a CO
2
system is fitted, the installation and CO
2
release alarm
may be checked by the surveyor.
BILGE PUMPING
ARRANGEMENTS
(Const Reg 156)
- Required Pumps
Boat Length Minimum number of pumps
9.1m - 24.4m 1 x Power driven pump plus 1 x power driven or
hand operated pump
> 24.4m 2 x Power driven pump ( 1 may be M/E driven).
Hand operated pumps are to be capable of being operated above the
main deck.
The Main Engine driven pump or hand pump(s) may be replaced by
an independent power pump.
Bilge arrangements are to be provided for the draining of all
watertight compartments.
- Pipe configurations
Non-return or L-cocks are to be fitted in the bilge suction lines to
prevent flooding from the sea into the vessel.
- Bilge alarm
SAMSA strongly recommends that an audible and visible bilge
alarms for machinery spaces, which are not normally manned, be
provided in the engine room and wheelhouse.
MSA
Sect 197
Please note that all submissions for extensions to the vessels Local General Safety Certificate must be submitted to SAMSA, in writing, before the validity of the certificate expires.
MSA
Const
LSA
S of N
MOS
Coll
Merchant Shipping Act 57 of 1951
Construction Regulations, 1968
Life-Saving Equipment Regulations, 1968
Safety of Navigation Regulations, 1968
Maritime Occupational Safety Regulations, 1994
Merchant Shipping (Collision, etc) Regulations, 1996

