REGULATIONS FOR THE ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT OF SHIP-TO-SHIP TRANSFER, 2025
Four obligations. One appointed specialist.
The 2025 Regulations put an independent specialist at the centre of every STS operation. The specialist must have no business or financial interest in the transfer itself. SAMC is that specialist for operators in Algoa Bay.
Independence statement: SAMC's software products are disclosed in every appointment and quarterly report. [LEGAL WORDING TO BE CONFIRMED]
- 7(3)Crew environmental awareness training programmeDeveloped by the independent specialist, approved by the Minister, completed by every crew member before they take part. Wildlife identification and avoidance, impacts, mitigation, emergency response, the EMP and the national and local oil spill plans. Delivered and certified through BunkerSafe.
- 8(1)STS environmental management planSite-specific risk identification, operational ocean forecast and spill modelling, mitigation, IPIECA-based wildlife response, contingency plan, underwater noise plan, night spill detection and recovery, monitoring programme and data storage. Minister's decision within 90 days.
- 8(5)Compliance monitoring of every operationWeather window, hydrophone and 30-minute wildlife watch, 500 m stop rule, booms and standby booms, spill-response vessel within 30 minutes, AIS, anchorage limits and the 1 April – 31 August closure of Anchorage 2. Receiving vessels certified before arrival.
- 8(6)Quarterly written report to the MinisterTogether with the operator's quarterly EMP data, monthly wildlife sighting reports and immediate incident notifications — audited, assembled and submitted, with an evidence trail SAMSA can follow.