The safety requirements for a CoF or an LGSC are specified in the Merchant Shipping (National Small Vessel Safety) Regulations of 2007 as amended. Most of the safety requirements for pleasure vessels are detailed in Annexure 1 and 2 of these regulations.

Click here for a complete copy of these regulations in PDF format.

Please note that the regulations specify minimum requirements. For sailing boats some critical components have been omitted from the regulations. Some of the more serious omissions are:

• Jackstays and safety harnesses.
• A bosun’s chair.

We strongly recommend that you carry this equipment.

To get a CoF your vessel has to be listed with SAS and inspected by a SAS Safety Officer or a “SAMSA approved SAS appointed Safety Surveyor” (usually just called a SAS Safety Surveyor). To get a LGSC your vessel has to be listed with SAS, registered by SAMSA and inspected by a SAS Safety Surveyor.

To book a survey your first step is to pay SAS for your survey. Click here to download our price list. You may pay SAS electronically. SAS’ banking details are:

Standard Bank, Thibault Square
Branch No: 02-09-09
Account No: 07-088-302-5
Please use your vessel’s listing number (the SA number or ZA number) as your reference so that we can identify the payment.

Once you have paid, you can arrange a survey with a Safety Officer or Safety Surveyor, or the SAS office can appoint one for you. You will need a receipt or other proof of payment and your Certificate of Listing or a certified copy.

You have to decide what category of CoF you want for your boat. The categories are

• Category A – Vessel operating any distance from shore
• Category B – Vessel operating less than 40 nautical miles from shore
• Category C – Vessel operating less than 15 nautical miles from shore
• Category D – Vessel operating less than 5 nautical miles from shore
• Category E – Vessel operating not more than 1 nautical miles from shore and 15 nautical miles from an approved launch site
• Category R – Vessel operating solely on sheltered waters

The safety requirements for the higher categories are of course more demanding.

Please remember that you cannot sail your yacht without a current CoF or LGSC. CoF’s and LGSC’s are only valid for one year from the date of the safety inspection.