Update: Merchant Shipping Bill Withdrawn to Allow Nedlac Consultation During the week of 13 October 2025, Cabinet announced that the Merchant Shipping Bill, 2023 has been withdrawn from Parliament to enable the Department of Transport (DoT) to finalise consultations with the National Economic Development and Labour Council (Nedlac). The Bill, ...

Legal Clarity in the Hake Inshore Trawl Sector: The Minister Issues an Addendum to the Appeals GPR On 8 October 2024, the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment signed the General Published Reasons for Decisions on Section 4 for Category B Entities in the Hake Inshore Trawl (HIT) Sector ...

On 22 August 2025 the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (the minister) promulgated regulations in terms of the Marine Living Resources Act (MLRA) regulating the entry of foreign fishing vessels into South African (SA) waters. These regulations were much needed and now provide clarity where previously there was ...

Scuba diving is more than just an adventure—it’s a profession that requires skill, precision, and a deep understanding of maritime laws and environmental conservation. Few know this better than one of our directors, Alistair Downing, a NAUI-certified scuba diving instructor with over 30 years of experience. From training new divers ...

New amendments under the National Environmental Management: Integrated Coastal Management Act are set to introduce stricter controls on offshore bunkering operations. With growing concerns over environmental risks, particularly oil spills and marine pollution, the proposed regulations will require operators to implement enhanced environmental management measures, stricter permitting requirements, and operational ...