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South Africa improves management of marine pollution

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The Department of Transport has set up an Incident Management Organisation (IMOrg) whose aim is to respond to cases of major marine pollution. This is the first step by the South African maritime sector to control marine pollution.One of the IMOrg's main goals will be to create a standardised approach to managing oil spills across the entire South African coastline. The IMOrg comprises experts and professionals from the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA), National Disaster Management Centre, Petroleum Agency South Africa, Department of Environmental Affairs and the Department of Mineral Resources.

Marine pollution and rescue response

The IMOrg's primary responsibility is to manage and respond to oil spillages and gas leakages off South Africa’s coast. It will also be permitted to respond to stranded sea vessels and distressed seafarers on South African waters. This bolsters the existing sea-rescue infrastructure, adding response vessels to the fleet of the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) and the South African navy. According to the NSRI 2017 statistics, 1050 sea rescues took place, involving 1227 seafarers and 21 animals.

IMOrg will grow and develop over time

The IMOrg has already adopted the Incident Management System (IMS) as the chosen model for response to marine pollution, such as oil spills, in particular. The IMS is endorsed by the International Maritime Organisation, of which South Africa is a member.The Department of Transport is planning to construct a legislative framework that will support the growth of the IMOrg, as well as to aid the development of the shipping and fuel sectors. Should an oil spill occur in South African waters, the government will be ready to respond swiftly and strategically to the crisis.___Averda is a leading waste management provider with over 50 years of experience across three continents. Through growth, transformation and engagement, we strive to find new ways of managing waste while protecting the community and environment. ___By pairing international expertise with local insights, we have secured our position as one of South Africa’s most respected providers of waste management and industrial cleaning services. We also operate in the recycling, pipe inspection, CCTV, infrastructure inspection, hydro-demolition, high-pressure water jetting and catalyst handling industries. ___Follow us Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn for the best tips on recycling and the latest industry news. See our Instagram and YouTube channels for more insights into environmental affairs and our work with local communities.