In South Africa, call 112 and ask for sea rescue. NSRI emergency line: 087 094 9774. Second 24-hour line: MRCC Cape Town, +27 21 938 3300. On the radio: MAYDAY on VHF channel 16, or a DSC distress alert on channel 70.
Source: nsri.org.za · authority: use the emergency number · checked 14 October 2026 Official wording ▾
nsri.org.za (checked 2026-10-14) — “EMERGENCY 112(National Emergency) 087 094 9774(NSRI Emergency)”; nsri.org.za/rescue/emergency-operations-centre: “seven full-time operators who man the emergency lines 24/7 … incoming emergency calls, including 112”; westerncape.gov.za: “dial: 112 from a cellphone 10177 from a landline”
VHF channel 16 is watched from 29 sites along the whole South African coast, from the Mozambique border to the Namibian border.
South African Maritime Safety Authority (Marine Notice 52 of 2020) ▾
samsa.org.za (2026-10-14): “VHF Channel 16 watch keeping service is provided from 29 sites around the South African coast from the Mozambican border to the Namibian border.”
Coast radio station: Cape Town Radio (call sign ZSC), Milnerton, Cape Town; office phone +27 21 551 0700.
South African Maritime Safety Authority (Marine Notice 52 of 2020) ▾
samsa.org.za (2026-10-14): “CAPE TOWN RADIO / ZSC CONTACT INFORMATION: 15 Bosmansdam Road, Milnerton, 7441 Private Bag X01, Milnerton, 7435 Tel.: +27 21 551 0700”
Weather and season
Weather forecasts are broadcast on VHF and on HF 4, 8 and 12 MHz, and by NAVTEX on 518 kHz (English) from Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, Durban and Cape Columbine.
South African Maritime Safety Authority (Marine Notice 52 of 2020) · South African Maritime Safety Authority (Marine Notice 52 of 2020) ▾
samsa.org.za (2026-10-14): “A Navtex service on 518 KHz in the English language is provided from Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, Durban and Cape Columbine.”
samsa.org.za (2026-10-14): “The preparation, transmission and monitoring of Weather forecasts is done on VHF Radio Telephone, HF Radio Telephone on 4, 8 and 12 MHz”
Rules: life jackets, licence, charter
Lifejackets and buoyancy aids carried as required safety equipment on South African vessels, including recreational boats, must be SAMSA-approved.
South African Maritime Safety Authority (Marine Notice 21 of 2019) · South African Maritime Safety Authority (Marine Notice 21 of 2019) ▾
samsa.org.za (2026-10-14): “TO ALL PERSONS PURCHASING, SUPPLYING, INSPECTING OR USING LIFEJACKETS ABOARD SOUTH AFRICAN SHIPS, INCLUDING RECREATIONAL VESSELS.”
samsa.org.za (2026-10-14): “require that all life jackets and buoyancy aids supplied to ships and boats as part of the prescribed safety equipment “approved” by SAMSA.”
A visiting skipper who is not resident in South Africa may use a foreign government-issued certificate of competence or licence (including the ICC) for that type of boat for three months after arrival, and must carry it on board.
South African Maritime Safety Authority (Marine Notice 28 of 2018) · South African Maritime Safety Authority (Marine Notice 28 of 2018) ▾
samsa.org.za (2026-10-14): “is deemed to hold a certificate of competence in terms of these Regulations for a period of three months after arrival in the Republic, provided that he or she carries such certificate with him or her.”
samsa.org.za (2026-10-14): “the recognition of the ICC is subject to the condition that it will only be recognized when held by foreign nationals visiting South Africa, and will only be recognized for three months.”
Foreign visitors chartering a boat on holiday fall under the same three-month recognition of their home skipper certificate or ICC.
South African Maritime Safety Authority (Marine Notice 28 of 2018) ▾
samsa.org.za (2026-10-14): “Foreign nationals who visit SA to charter a vessel for a holiday. That provides the reciprocity envisaged in UNECE Resolution 40.”
Official warnings
Many people drown every year in strong sea currents.
UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ▾
gov.uk (2026-10-14, gov-travel): “Every year, many people drown due to strong sea currents.”
Seals can bite, and rabies has been found in seals on the Cape Peninsula coast; get medical help at once after a bite.
UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ▾
gov.uk (2026-10-14, gov-travel): “Rabies has been detected in seals along the Cape Peninsula coastline. If you are bitten seek immediate medical attention and notify the authorities.”
Arriving by boat
Foreign yachts may sail in South African waters if they get a SAMSA Certificate of Fitness (CoF) for the boat. Yacht arrivals from abroad are covered by SAMSA Marine Notice MN 04-22, and since 1 July 2026 everyone arriving through a sea port must submit an online traveller declaration.
South African Maritime Safety Authority (Marine Notice 28 of 2018) · South African Maritime Safety Authority (list of valid marine notices) · UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ▾
samsa.org.za (2026-10-14): “The skippers of foreign yachts visiting South Africa. They may pass through South African waters under the right of innocent passage. They may also enjoy sailing in South African waters based on Regulation 16(7), provided they get a CoF for their vessel.”
samsa.org.za (2026-10-14): “MN 04-22 FACILITATION OF NON-SOLAS VESSELS ON INTERNATIONAL VOYAGE TO AND FROM SOUTH AFRICAN WATERS AND PORTS – YACHTS”
gov.uk (2026-10-14, gov-travel): “From 1 July 2026, all travellers entering or leaving South Africa through air, land, sea and rail ports of entry are required to submit an online traveller declaration”
What number do I call for help at sea in South Africa?+
In South Africa, call 112 and ask for sea rescue. NSRI emergency line: 087 094 9774. Second 24-hour line: MRCC Cape Town, +27 21 938 3300. On the radio: MAYDAY on VHF channel 16, or a DSC distress alert on channel 70.
Does 112 work in South Africa?+
Yes. 112 is an official emergency number in South Africa.
Which rescue centre is responsible for me?+
The one whose search-and-rescue area you are in — not the country of your SIM card. Near borders that can change during a trip; the VesselSOS app picks it from your GPS position.
Do I need a licence to skipper a boat in South Africa?+
A visiting skipper who is not resident in South Africa may use a foreign government-issued certificate of competence or licence (including the ICC) for that type of boat for three months after arrival, and must carry it on board.
Are life jackets compulsory in South Africa?+
Lifejackets and buoyancy aids carried as required safety equipment on South African vessels, including recreational boats, must be SAMSA-approved.
Where do I get the marine weather forecast for South Africa?+
Weather forecasts are broadcast on VHF and on HF 4, 8 and 12 MHz, and by NAVTEX on 518 kHz (English) from Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, Durban and Cape Columbine.
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