Unlike the aeronautical component of SASAR, the maritime component has a diversity of role-players. For this reason, it was necessary to create and appoint an incumbent to the post of Manager: Maritime SAR Operations (AMSAR Bill to pronounce) that is attached to the agency, SAMSA. This person also serves as the Head of Maritime SAR Operations and his main duties and functions are to ensure the efficient operation of maritime SAR in the South African Maritime search and rescue region.
MRCC situated at 163 Tygerberg Park,HF Verwoerd Drive,Platter Kloof,Cape Town. The Head of Maritime SAROP’s office is also situated at the MRCC. The Chief of the MRCC is responsible for ensuring its smooth running. He reports to the Head of Maritime SAROPS. (Need a clarity)
The permanent Rescue Sub centres are strategically placed along the coast with each Port Control office acting as such. We have about 7 port control offices acting as permanent RSC’s namely, Cape Town, Walvis Bay, Saldanha, Port Elizabeth, East London, Durban and Richards Bay. The RSC’s also report to the Head of Maritime SAROPS. The permanent RSC’s only handles operations that are not major in nature and are within their scope and capability. If an operation becomes too major, the operation is handed over to the MRCC.
Within the sub-region of the Port Captain, the various National Sea Rescue Institute basis and Harbour Masters act as secondary- Rescue Sub centres for the area that falls within their scope and capability. For instance, within the sub-region of the Port Captain of Saldanha, the harbour master of Port Nolloth and the NSRI in Saldanha Bay act as secondary- RSC’s.
If a SAR operation becomes too complicated or big to be handled by them, the operation is handed over to their respective permanent RSC. They are responsible to the Chief of the RSC in whose area of responsibility they are stationed e.g. the NSRI of Port Elizabeth is responsible to the Chief of the East London RSC. We have about six institutions/organisations serving as dedicated alerting posts and staffed 24 hours a day, namely, Air Traffic Service Units, Port Control Offices, Coastal Radio Stations, South African Police Stations, the MRCC and of course the ARCC.
