The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) welcomes the start of the nationwide audit of all commercial fishing vessels operating in South African waters launched by the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) last Friday.
The audit is in line with and follows an order issued by Minister of Transport, Barbara Creecy, in October 2024 for SAMSA to conduct safety inspections of all commercial fishing vessels operating in the country’s waters. Minister Creecy’s order was on account of two grave incidents involving Sea Harvest Group’s commercial vessels.
The first took place in May last year when the Lepanto sank to the bottom of the sea off the coast of Hout Bay, taking 11 fishermen with it. The fishermen’s bodies were never recovered, they were eventually presumed dead by an order of court in September 2024.
The Armana caught fire off the coast of Gansbaai in the early hours of the morning in October; fortunately, the 20 crew members onboard were rescued unharmed by a vessel in the vicinity.
COSATU applauds Minister Creecy for the bold decision to act on what has always been a burning issue but was never given the warranted attention.
The International Labour Organisation describes the fishing occupation as more hazardous than firefighting or mining because fishermen work and live in the vessel, in cramped and congested conditions and as such there isn’t the clear separation between work and personal time.
Fishermen also face specific risks including the possibility of the vessel being wrecked or capsized; fires and explosions onboard; being washed overboard, or tripping and falling due to the motion of the vessel or slippery surfaces; injury from working with heavy, dangerous or unguarded equipment. Fishermen also suffer from special health problems, such as skin complaints and respiratory diseases, or the effects of noise and vibration. It is for these reasons that employers are charged with the responsibility of ensuring fishing vessels are safe and fit for purpose.
The audit was launched eGqeberha but SAMSA said it would get underway in earnest in Cape Town. COSATU has previously requested Creecy to ensure SAMSA prioritises Sea Harvest Group vessels when conducting the audit. We reiterate this call because the outcomes of the audit will play a vital part in the Marine Court of Enquiry that is set to uncover all the questions left unanswered by the report into the sinking of the MFV Lepanto. The report was released in December.
COSATU has been working closely with the families of the 11 deceased fishermen to ensure they are appropriately compensated for their kin’s tragic deaths. Crucially, the families want to know what happened on that fateful day so the can finally have closure.
The Portfolio Committee on Transport is currently holding parliamentary hearings on the Merchant Shipping Bill. The Federation welcomes the overall progressive objections of the Bill, particularly its provisions to ensure safety and protection of marine workers labour rights and holding employers accountable for conditions of service and compliance with labour laws.
COSATU is however aggrieved that the Bill was not presented to Nedlac for engagement with organised labour, business and community. As a result, the Bill is not explicit on whether the Basic Conditions of Employment Act, Occupational Health and Safety Act, Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act and National Minimum Wage apply to marine workers on South African vessels or on vessels in South African waters.
Consequently, COSATU will be calling on Parliament to ensure the Bill is amended and strengthened to safeguard workers’ safety and labour rights. The Federation will not rest until all workers’ rights are observed and protected.
Issued by COSATU
Zanele Sabela (COSATU National Spokesperson)
Mobile: 079 287 5788 / 077 600 6639Email: zaneles@cosatu.org.za