COF & LGSC

The safety requirements for a Certificate of Fitness (COF) or a Local General Safety Certificate (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.

Note that the regulations specify minimum requirements. For sailing boats some critical components have been omitted from the regulations.

Two of the more serious omissions are:
	Jackstays and safety harnesses
	A bosun's chair

It is strongly recommend that you carry this equipment.

To get a COF your vessel has to be listed with South African Sailing (SAS) and inspected by an SAS Safety Officer or a "SAMSA approved SAS appointed Safety Surveyor" (referred to as 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 an inspection your first step is to pay SAS for the survey click here to view the pricelist. The easiest way to do this is via electronic funds transfer (EFT) to the following SAS bank account:

Standard Bank, Thibault Square
Branch No: 02-09-09
Account No: 07-088-302-5

Please use your vessel's listing number (the SA or ZA number) as your reference so that we can identify the payment.

Once payment has been made you can arrange a survey with a Safety Officer or Safety Surveyor. If that is not convenient the SAS office can appoint one for you. You will need a proof of payment and your Certificate of Listing or a certified copy thereof.

You will also need 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 mile 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.

COFs and LGSCs are only valid for one year from the date of the safety inspection.