About South African Maritime Safety Authority

The South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) was established on 1 April 1998 under the SAMSA Act 5 of 1998.SAMSA is responsible for ensuring safe and efficient operations in South African waters for the maritime industry, community, and the public.

Contractual and Legal Advice

• Compilation and legal advice (and legal liability) on legal documents and contracts, Memorandum of Understanding, 3rd party contracts as well as MSP crew contracts and accompanying documents.
• Involvements and input (interpretation) on the Service Level Agreement that SAMSA MSP has with DEFF.

Regulatory

• SAMSA Regulatory Assistance – Providing legal advice (when required) to SAMSA flag personnel

Industry Relations and Crewing

• Handling all disciplinary matters on appeal
• Timeous administration of the onboard complaints received from crew in line with set procedures
• Assisting crew departments with labour disputes that are instituted in a forum outside SAMSA MSP
• Assisting with drafting of contracts for crew members to ensure it meets legal requirements and prevailing legislation.
• Attend to labour litigation for SAMSA MSP i.e. CCMA and labour court matters
• Maintain effective case management and act as liaison between Management and Union Representatives

Insurance

• Ensuring that all insurance policies are kept up to date annually and that policy coverage meets required standards.
• Handling and submission of insurance claims (for crew medical or ship equipment) and ensuring that they are submitted timeously to designated insurers.
• Maintenance and updating of the Next of Kin system for seafarers in the event of loss of life.

Charterparty Agreements 

• Assist with initial negotiations with prospective charters, draft charterparty agreement with reference to specific requirements per agreement, compile final costs and invoicing for clients as well as prepare a final reconciliation of costs and profits for managemen

Qualifications

• LLB Degree or BProc Degree
• Master’s degree in Maritime Law

Experience

• Minimum of seven (7) years’ experience in Commerical and Maritime Law, with experience/ exposure in the areas of negotiating techniques and litigations
• Admitted Attorney of South Africa

Competencies

• Knowledge of the MSA, MLC and other maritime related legislation
• Ability to interpret complex Conventions and Legislation
• Excellent knowledge of established International Maritime Organisation (IMO) and International Labour Organisation (ILO) Conventions.
• Excellent knowledge of laws relating to the registration of ships and ship mortgages.
• Good knowledge of Administrative, Corporate, Environmental Maritime Laws, Employment & Labour Laws.
• Good knowledge of Government policies relating to statutory bodies.
• Working knowledge of Government procurement guidelines
• Ability to draft legal opinions.
• Work collaboratively with various individuals with varying backgrounds.
• The ability to draft MOU’s and similar agreements.
• Strong acumen for conducting legal research and legal strategies.