The Small Vessel Code lays out the differing levels of competence that a candidate must achieve in order to obtain a certificate for the level desired. The Code is the national standard and any person who desires to train or examine small vessel skippers shall adhere to the specifications and level of knowledge detailed therein.
To operate a vessel, smaller or equal to 9 meters, on all ports, fishing harbours, tidal rivers, tidal lagoons, estuaries and all inland waters of South Africa a skipper's license is required. The penalties for operating without a valid license are high and inspectors are clamping down on those operating without a license. Skippers Academy Gauteng Northand its instructors are all registered with SAMSA (South African Maritime Safety Authority) who issue the skipper license on behalf of the Department of Transport.