Marine Pollution (Prevention of Pollution from Ships) Amendment Bill of 2021

Published on February 18, 2022

Cabinet approved the Marine Pollution Amendment Bill of 2021 for public comment . The Amendment Bill seeks to amend the Marine Pollution (Prevention of Pollution from Ships) Act, 1986 (Act 2 of 1986) and align it to the revised International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL). South Africa is a signatory to MARPOL, the main international convention covering prevention of pollution of marine environment by ships dispensing oil and harmful substances. it also proposes that ships should use fuel with no more than 0.50% sulphur content or use approved fuel treatment systems.

The Bill supports the shift to SCP by promoting sustainable tourism through protection of marine life from pollutants and contamination. That way, through the Bill, the government is able to entrench sustainable livelihoods dependent on conservation of marine life, influence behavioural change and consumer choices.