Registrar of Ships

KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS

Maintenance and Control of the South African Ships Register

• Administer the national registration process adhering to the Ship Registration Act, 1998 and its regulations.
• Verify and enforce ownership qualifications and eligibility of ships for registration in accordance with Section 9 of the Ship Registration Act, ensuring compliance with national and international standards.
• Review and manage ownership documentation to uphold the integrity of the Registry.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records in the Register of Ships, including registration certificates, provisional certificates, and temporary passes as required by the Act.
• Ensure lawful issuance, variation, revocation, and custody management of registration certificates as per provisions in sections 23 to 30 of the Act.
• Oversee fee calculations, collections, and maintenance of the Fees and Deeds Register in line with section 57 of the Act.

Compliance and Legal Enforcement

• Enforce compliance with the Act regarding ship nationality, marking, and registration obligations (sections 4, 20, 21), and other applicable laws.
• Handle refusals of registration and removals from the Register in accordance with sections 18, 42, and 43 to protect the interests of the Republic and international merchant shipping.
• Collaborate with authorized officers for enforcement, detention, and forfeiture of ships as authorized under sections 48 to 50.
• Manage rectification, correction, and update of Register entries in line with sections 35 to 38.

Enhancement of South African Ships Register

• Analyse market opportunities and develop incentives for ship owners to register under the South African flag in line with national maritime policy and programmes.
• Develop, implement and promote ship register strategies and customer relations to improve registry attractiveness and efficiency.
• Drive automation and digitization of the Ship Register for improved operational effectiveness.

Administration and Stakeholder Management

• Maintain registration statistics and databases; provide analytical insights as required.
• Coordinate with naval architects, internal SAMSA departments, and external maritime stakeholders.
• Monitor performance and quality of work of support staff and subordinate officers.
• Ensure stakeholder engagement and satisfaction, aligned with ethical standards (D-ETHICS framework).
• Participate in committees and special projects as assigned.