SAMSA Seafarer Certification and the STCW Route

The Merchant Shipping Bill B12-2023 was introduced on 11 May 2023 but, when checked on 27 September 2026, had not passed either House. Draft regulations gazetted on 24 December 2025 were still made under the Merchant Shipping Act 57 of 1951. Treat anything you read about the new Act as proposed, not law.

The National Small Vessel Safety Regulations 2007 remain the working rules. Replacement drafts were published in 2024 and on 5 September 2025 (GN 3482, GG 53304), but none was confirmed as gazetted in final form. Check for a commencement notice before relying on any draft change.

MSN 1815 (M+F) Amendment 7 (13 August 2026) lists South Africa among countries whose seafarer medicals are accepted on UK ships, but it does not let SA doctors issue an ENG1 and does not cover non-commercial pleasure yachts. The RYA commercial endorsement names only ENG1 or ML5. In the other direction, SAMSA requires examination by a SAMSA-approved practitioner. Carry both if you work in both systems.

MN 20 of 2016 says service on superyachts and other sport or recreation vessels counts in full for a CoC endorsed Non-Trading; unlimited certification from yacht time is decided case by case by the Senior Examiner, with commercial gain as the final test. The notice was written against the 2013 Regulations, so confirm current practice before applying.

Under reg 11(9) of the 2021 Regulations, sea service on foreign coasts counts only towards near-coastal certification unless the ship's papers show unlimited voyages, and voyages under 150 NM are treated as near-coastal. A season between Antibes and Monaco is not unlimited service.

Sea-time routes, entry requirements and endorsement rules in the SAMSA skipper courses are taken from MN 13 of 2007. SAMSA lists MN 13 of 2011 as the valid notice, but its text could not be obtained, and pass marks come from an agency syllabus (2008). Confirm figures with SAMSA or your examiner before booking.

Under the 2021 Regulations a SAMSA medical certificate is valid for up to 2 years (1 year under 18), a visual acuity test for 2 years and a colour vision test for 6 years. Examinations must be done by a SAMSA-approved medical practitioner.

SAMSA MIN 10-25 records that the UK, Marshall Islands, Isle of Man, Bahamas, Cyprus and Liberia accept SA certificates; Cayman and Malta are not listed. The notice expired on 31 July 2026 and no successor was found, and Marshall Islands and Cayman practice was not checked with those flags. Ask the flag directly.

MIN 01-25 required candidates for engineering Level 3 assessment after 31 December 2025 to meet additional academic requirements, such as a mechanical or marine engineering qualification at NQF level 6 or higher. The notice has since expired and the current requirement was not confirmed; check with SAMSA before booking.

An interim small vessel certificate issued after a pass is valid for six months while the card is printed. MIN 06-24 extended affected interims only to 31 March 2025, and no later extension was found. If your card has not arrived, chase SAMSA rather than sailing on an old interim.