Transnet National Ports Authority
Licensing and Permits
Bunkering Licence
The Transnet National Ports Authority considers efficient and safe bunkering activities as vital to the proper functioning of the ports.
In terms of Port Rule 148, issued in terms of section 80(2) of the National Ports Act 12 of 2005, Transnet National Ports Authority requires persons carrying out bunkering activities in the port to apply for a licence.
No bunkering can be conducted within ports without a valid bunkering licence. Following the conclusion of the initial bunkering licence application advertisement/roll-out process during 2010, it was resolved that subsequent bunkering licence applications will be entertained on an ongoing basis without any further advertisements being necessary, and will be processed accordingly.
Application forms for port bunkering activities can be downloaded from this site, and may also be obtained between 08:30 and 16:00 from the Customer Service Centres (CSC) in the Port Administration Building in the ports of Richards Bay, Durban, East London, Ngqura, Port Elizabeth, Cape Town, Saldanha Bay and the Revenue Office in the Port Control Building at the port of Mossel Bay.
Applicants can submit applications by hand, on a per port basis, to the Authority, for the attention of the Port Manager (or designated Port Licence representative) of the respective port.
Steps to Apply for a Bunkering Licence:
Download the application form for a bunkering licence
Download the standard terms & conditions of the the bunkering licence
Complete and sign the bunkering licence application form
Sign the bunkering licence
The applications must be submitted on a per port basis
No payment is required with the initial application
In order to finalise your application per port, the following documents and information are required:
Completed and signed application form per port;
Documents and information, indicated on the application form, as needed; and
The above-mentioned documents need to be delivered between 08h30 and 16h00 to the Customer Service Centres (CSC) in the Port Admin Building in the ports of Richards Bay, Durban, East London, Ngqura, Port Elizabeth, Cape Town, Saldanha Bay and the Revenue Office in the Port Control Building at the port of Mossel Bay, for the attention of the Authority’s Port Manager (or designated Port Licence representative) of the applicable port.
Payment of Licence Fee
Upon written notification of the successful outcome of an application, Transnet National Ports Authority requires a once-off payment per port for the full duration of the 5 year term of the licence, before issuing the licence.
The licence fee is payable for each port you want to conduct your bunkering business in.
For More Information
If you have any bunkering licence questions, please contact the relevant Customer Service Centre (or designated Port Licence representative).
Thank you for your work in keeping the port safe and secure.
Diving Licence
The Transnet National Ports Authority considers efficient and safe diving activities as vital to the proper functioning of the ports.
In terms of Port Rule 148, issued in terms of section 80(2) of the National Ports Act 12 of 2005, Transnet National Ports Authority requires persons carrying out diving activities in the port to apply for a licence.
No diving can be conducted within ports limits without a valid diving licence. The diving licensing process applies to commercial diving activities that may impact on the maintenance of safety, security and good order in the port, pre-authorised by means of a Harbour Master Diving Permit.
Following the conclusion of the initial diving licence application advertisement/roll-out process during 2010, it was resolved that subsequent diving licence applications will be entertained on an ongoing basis without any further advertisements being necessary and will be processed accordingly.
Application forms for port diving activities can be downloaded from this site and may also be obtained between 08:30 and 16:00 from the Customer Service Centres (CSC) in the Port Administration Building in the ports of Richards Bay, Durban, East London, Ngqura, Port Elizabeth, Cape Town, Saldanha Bay and the Revenue Office in the Port Control Building at the port of Mossel Bay.
Applicants can submit applications by hand, on a per port basis, to the Authority, for the attention of the Port Manager (or designated Port Licence representative) of the respective port.
Steps to Apply for a Diving Licence:
Download the application form for a diving licence
Download the standard terms & conditions of the the diving licence
Complete and sign the diving licence application form
The applications must be submitted on a per port basis
No payment is required with the initial application
In order to finalise your application per port, the following documents and information are required:
Completed and signed application form per port;
Documents and information, indicated on the application form, as needed; and
The above-mentioned documents need to be delivered between 08h30 and 16h00 to the Customer Service Centres (CSC) in the Port Admin Building in the ports of Richards Bay, Durban, East London, Ngqura, Port Elizabeth, Cape Town, Saldanha Bay and the Revenue Office in the Port Control Building at the port of Mossel Bay, for the attention of the Authority’s Port Manager (or designated Port Licence representative) of the applicable port.
Payment of Licence Fee
Upon written notification of the successful outcome of an application, Transnet National Ports Authority requires a once-off payment per port for the full duration of the 3 year term of the licence, before issuing the licence.
The licence fee is payable for each port you want to conduct your diving business in.
For More Information
If you have any diving licence questions, please call the relevant Customer Service Centre (or designated Port Licence representative).
Thank you for your work in keeping the port safe and secure.
Hull Cleaning Permit
The Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) considers efficient and safe Hull Cleaning activities within the port limits as a key activity to the proper functioning of the ports and assists the customers in efficient and sustainable operations of their vessels.
In terms of Port Rule 148, issued in terms of section 80(2) of the National Ports Act 12 of 2005, Transnet National Ports Authority requires persons carrying out hull cleaning activities in the port to apply for a permit.
No hull cleaning can be conducted within ports limits without a valid hull cleaning permit issued by the Harbour Master.
The hull cleaning permitting process applies to hull cleaning activities that may impact on the safety, security and good order in the port and therefore is required to be pre-authorised by means of a Harbour Master Hull Cleaning Permit.
Transnet National Ports Authority has undertaken to issue a permit to qualifying companies and the process will be open for a restricted period to ensure that this new activity can be easily regulated and managed in ports. Application forms for hull cleaning activities can be downloaded from the website links, and/or documents may also be obtained between 08:30 and 16:00 from the Customer Service Centres (CSC) in the Port Administration Building in the ports of Richards Bay, Durban, East London, Ngqura, Port Elizabeth, Cape Town, Saldanha Bay and the Revenue Office in the Port Control Building at the port of Mossel Bay.
Applicants can submit applications by hand, on a per port basis, to the Authority, for the attention of the Harbour Master (or designated Port Licence Representative) of the respective port.
Steps to Apply for a Hull Cleaning Permit:
Download the application form for a Hull Cleaning Permit
Download the standard terms & conditions of the the Hull Cleaning Permit
Complete and sign the Hull Cleaning Permit application form
Sign the Hull Cleaning Permit
The applications must be submitted on a per port basis
No payment is required with the initial application
In order to finalise your application per port, the following documents and information are required:
Completed and signed application form per port;
Documents and information, indicated on the application form, as needed; and
Signed Hull Cleaning Permit
Steps for a Licence Renewal or New Licence Application
1. Enquire about the application for Pilot Exemption & the applicable fee
2. Confirm if new application or renewal
Renewal Process: Pilot Exemption Licence
3. Check validity of the following documents
Produce some means of Identification, ID, Passport of Driver’s licence
Be in possession of a valid Certificate of Competency
Be in possession of a valid SAMSA eyesight Certificate
Be in possession of a Radio Licence / Certificate / GMDSS Certificate
Previous Pilot exemption held, valid for 12 months for financial year – 1 April to 31 March
Craft general local safety certificate issued by SAMSA or authorised SAMSA accredited organisation
4. TNPA official checks validity of the documents
5. TNPA official makes copies of documents
6. TNPA official stamps form
7. Applicant makes payment for Pilot exemption licence as per TNPA tariff Book –available on TNPA website
8. TNPA receives payment and issues Pilot Exemption Licence
New Application Process: Pilot Exemption Licence
9. Craft general local safety certificate issued by SAMSA or authorised SAMSA accredited organisation
Possess a copy of the Harbour Rules
Have previously entered and departed the port at least 5 times both ways, aboard the vessel
Have a Required Knowledge of the subjects outlined below
Must be competent in the use of Radar
Knowledge Required
1. The Rules of Conduct for Pilotage Exemption Holders
2. International Regulations for the Prevention of Collision at Sea (1977)
3. An adequate knowledge and experience of ship handling and limitations of the candidate’s vessel
4. The VHF Communication Channels in the Port
5. An adequate working knowledge of relevant port SAN Chart with reference to:
Courses, Depths, Berths and Dangers
Lighthouses, Buoys, Navigation Marks their colour, Shape, and Sound of Fog signals
The Prohibited Anchorage Areas
VTS and the Traffic Lanes
The Traffic Signal Lights for the Port
10. Applicant collects Pilot exemption syllabus from Harbour Master’s office or Pilot’s wardroom
11. When ready for oral examination, makes appointment with Senior Pilot or Harbour Master’s office
12. If passes examination – makes payment and takes all documents listed to marine revenue office or customer services centre for processing - 3 Attempts are permitted
13. TNPA official checks validity of documents and issues a Pilot Exemption licence
14. Should applicant fail 3 times – has to rebook and pay another fee
15. Note the Pilot Exemption licence is only valid for the skipper for a particular craft – should you require a Pilot Exemption for additional vessels, additional fees will apply per vessel
16. Should the applicant not operate in the port for a period of 12 months or over, the applicant will need to apply for a new Pilot Exemption licence
17. The Pilot Exemption licence is valid for the financial year – from 1 April to 31 March
The Skipper has to produce the following documents
Craft registration if new application
Previous Craft licence valid for 12 months for financial year – 1 April to 31 March
Craft general local safety certificate issued by SAMSA or authorised SAMSA accredited organisation
Skippers Identification – ID or Driver’s Licence
Valid Skippers Certificate of competence
Skippers radio licence / GMDSS Certificate
Department of Forestry & Fisheries registration – (if fishing vessel)
Letter from Yacht club – (if pleasure craft one) mooring allocated to craft
Receipt of payment for craft licence
Steps to Apply for a Small Craft Licence
The Skipper / Owner approaches the local port TNPA Marine Revenue office / Customer Services office for application of a craft licence – checks with TNPA tariff fee applicable for the craft
Pays the required fee as per the tariff book – tariff book available on TNPA website
Produces the supporting documents for the application
TNPA official checks validity of the supporting documents
TNPA office issues a craft licence valid for the craft for a period of 12 months- signed and stamped by the TNPA official and any conditions applicable
Stevedore Licence
The Transnet National Ports Authority (“the Authority”) considers efficient and safe stevedoring operations as vital to the proper functioning of the ports.
To comply with the National Ports Act 12 of 2005, it is imperative that stevedores have a licence. Stevedoring is defined in the appendix of the White Paper of National Commercial Ports Policy (Government Gazette no. 23715 dated 8 August 2002). Stevedoring means “To load, stow and unload cargo on board a vessel”.
No stevedoring can be conducted within ports without a valid stevedore licence. Following the initial advertisements, during 2009, for applications, the initial stevedore licence application assessments have been completed.
Without any further advertisements, stevedore licence applications can be made at any time and will be assessed on a continuous basis, in the manner set out in the Guidelines for Agreements, Licences and Permits.
Application forms for port stevedoring can be downloaded from this site, and may also be obtained between 08:30 and 16:00 from the Customer Service Centres (CSC) in the Port Administration Building in the ports of Richards Bay, Durban, East London, Ngqura, Port Elizabeth, Cape Town and Saldanha Bay; and the Revenue Office in the Port Control Building at the port of Mossel Bay.
Applicants can submit applications by hand, on a per port basis, to the Authority, for the attention of the Port Manager (or designated Port Licence representative) of the respective port.
Steps to Apply for a Stevedore Licence
Download the application form for a Stevedore Licence
Download the standard terms & conditions of the Stevedore Licence
Complete and sign the Vessel Agent Registration application form
Sign the Stevedore Licence
The applications must be submitted on a per port basis
No payment is required with the initial application
In order to finalise your application per port, the following documents and information are required:
Completed and signed application form per port;
Documents and information, indicated on the application form, as needed; and
The above-mentioned documents need to be delivered between 08h30 and 16h00 to the Customer Service Centres (CSC) in the Port Admin Building in the ports of Richards Bay, Durban, East London, Ngqura, Port Elizabeth, Cape Town, Saldanha Bay and the Revenue Office in the Port Control Building at the port of Mossel Bay, for the attention of the Authority’s Port Manager (or designated Port Licence representative) of the applicable port.
Payment of Licence Fee
Upon written notification of the successful outcome of an application, the Authority requires a once-off payment per port for the full duration of the 3 year term of the licence, before issuing the licence.
The licence fee is payable for each port you want to conduct your stevedore business in.
For More Information
If you have any stevedore licence questions, please contact the relevant Customer Service Centre (or designated Port Licence representative).
Thank you for your work in keeping the port safe and secure.
Vessel Agent Registration
The Transnet National Ports Authority considers proper vessel agent conduct as vital to the safe, orderly and efficient functioning of the ports.
In terms of Port Rule 148, issued in terms of section 80(2) of the National Ports Act 12 of 2005, Transnet National Ports Authority requires persons carrying out vessel agent activities in the port and at offshore cargo handling facilities to apply for registration.
In terms of Port Rule 149, no person may carry out the activity of a vessel agent in a port or at an offshore cargo handling facility without being registered.
The initial vessel agent registration application process was advertised and rolled out during 2010, following which, it was resolved that subsequent Vessel Agent Registration applications will be entertained on an ongoing basis without any further advertisements being necessary, and will be processed accordingly upon lodgement.
Application forms for Vessel Agent Registration can be downloaded from this site and may also be obtained between 08:30 and 16:00 from the Customer Service Centres (CSC) in the Port Administration Buildings in the Ports of Richards Bay, Durban, East London, Ngqura, Port Elizabeth, Cape Town, Saldanha Bay and the Revenue Office in the Port Control Building at the Port of Mossel Bay.
Applicants must submit formal applications, on a per port basis, to the Authority, for the attention of the Port Manager (or designated Port Licence representative) at the respective port.
Steps to Apply for a Vessel Agent Registration
Download the application form for a Vessel Agent Registration
Download the standard terms & conditions of the Vessel Agent Registration
Complete and sign the Vessel Agent Registration application form
Sign the Vessel Agent Registration certificate
The applications must be submitted on a per port basis
No payment is required with the initial application
In order to finalise your application per port, the following documents and information are required:
Completed and signed application form per port;
Documents and information, indicated on the application form, as needed; and
Signed Vessel Agent Registration certificate
The above-mentioned documents need to be delivered between 08h30 and 16h00 to the Customer Service Centres (CSC) in the Port Admin Building in the ports of Richards Bay, Durban, East London, Ngqura, Port Elizabeth, Cape Town, Saldanha Bay and the Revenue Office in the Port Control Building at the port of Mossel Bay, for the attention of the Authority’s Port Manager (or designated Port Licence representative) of the applicable port.
Payment of Licence Fee
Only upon written notification of the successful outcome of an application, will Transnet National Ports Authority require a once-off payment per port for the full duration of the three (3) year term of the registration, before issuing the registration certificate.
The registration fee is payable for each port where a vessel agent conducts its business, and the fee payable will be the applicable fee as published in the current Port Tariff Book at the time when payment is made.
For More Information
Should you have any further questions regarding the Vessel Agent Registration application process, please call the relevant Customer Service Centre/s (or designated Port Licence representative/s) at the applicable port/s.
Waste Disposal Licence
The Transnet National Ports Authority considers proper waste disposal as vital to the safe, orderly and efficient functioning of the ports.
No Waste Disposal Licence is needed for waste disposal services provided directly to Transnet National Ports Authority, in terms of an agreement entered into following a procedure that is fair, equitable, transparent, competitive and cost effective.
However, to comply with the National Ports Act 12 of 2005, it is imperative that waste disposal service providers need to have a valid licence to provide waste disposal services to port users in the port.
Following the conclusion of the initial waste disposal application advertisement and roll-out process during 2011, it was resolved that subsequent Waste Disposal Licence applications will be entertained on an ongoing basis without any further advertisements being necessary and will be processed accordingly.
Application forms for a Waste Disposal Licence can be downloaded from this website and may also be obtained between 08:30 and 16:00 from the Customer Service Centres (CSC) in the Port Administration Building in the Ports of Richards Bay, Durban, East London, Ngqura, Port Elizabeth, Cape Town, Saldanha Bay and the Revenue Office in the Port Control Building at the Port of Mossel Bay.
Applicants must submit formal applications, on a per port basis, to the Authority, for the attention of the Port Manager (or designated Port Licence representative) at the respective port.
Steps to Apply for a Waste Disposal Licence
Download the application form for a Waste Disposal Licence
Download the standard terms & conditions of the Waste Disposal Licence
Complete and sign the Waste Disposal Licence application form
Sign the Waste Disposal Licence
The applications must be submitted on a per port basis
No payment is required with the initial application
In order to finalise your application per port, the following documents and information are required:
Completed and signed application form per port;
Documents and information, indicated on the application form, as needed; and
Signed Waste Disposal Licence
The above-mentioned documents need to be delivered between 08h30 and 16h00 to the Customer Service Centres (CSC) in the Port Admin Building in the ports of Richards Bay, Durban, East London, Ngqura, Port Elizabeth, Cape Town, Saldanha Bay and the Revenue Office in the Port Control Building at the port of Mossel Bay, for the attention of the Authority’s Port Manager (or designated Port Licence representative) of the applicable port.
Payment of Licence Fee
Upon written notification of the successful outcome of an application, Transnet National Ports Authority requires a once-off payment per port for the full duration of the five (5) year term of the licence, before issuing the licence.
The licence fee is payable for each port you want to conduct your waste disposal business in.
For More Information
If you have any further questions regarding the Waste Disposal Licence application, please call the relevant Customer Service Centre/s (or designated Port Licence representative/s) at the applicable port/s.
Thank you for your work in keeping our ports safe and secure.