Upskilling coastal communities in marine protection, governance

The South African International Maritime Institute (SAIMI), with the support of the National Skills Fund (NSF) under the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) and in collaboration with the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), and the Centre for Law in Action (CLA) piloted a first-of-its-kind Honorary Marine Conservation Officers (HMCOs) Coastal Protection Training Programme in the country.

The Honorary Marine Conservation Officer Coastal Protection Training Programme was aimed at addressing skills deficit, involving members of coastal communities to voluntarily assist in managing and monitoring their coastline and solicit their support and assistance in the fight against exploiting marine living resources.

This pilot programme was targeted at Military Veterans and DFFE Honorary Conservation Officers, and it was the DFFE that successfully enrolled 54 Extended Public Works – Working for Fisheries Programme officials from three coastal provinces, the Eastern Cape, Western Cape and KwaZulu Natal. These candidates are currently employed as Honorary Conservation Officers at DFFE for 30 months in accordance with section 9 (2) of the Marine Living Resources Act, 18 of 1997, to enlist members of the public to become Honorary Marine Conservation Officers.

During his welcoming Address at the Honorary Marine Conservation Officers’ Certification Ceremony held this morning (2 November 2023), at the Ocean Sciences Campus, Nelson Mandela University, Gqeberha, SAIMI CEO, Mr Odwa Mtati, mentioned that the programme forms part of SAIMI’s commitment to support and recognise Military Veterans and other coastal monitoring institutions to address job creation, poverty alleviation and the empowerment of historically disadvantaged individuals.

SAIMI remains committed to training, skills development, and capacity building for Honorary Marine Conservation Officers through the Marine Protection and Ocean Governance Delivery Unit and the Marine Protection and Governance (MPG) Skills Expert Group, where experts identify and develop skills frameworks and implementation plans. This ensures that the recommendations outlined in the skills audit and needs analysis report are implemented.

During the certification ceremony for the Honorary Marine Conservation Officers”, trainees were encouraged to utilise the skills obtained and to additionally call on others to participate and ensure the growth of this initiative and others of its kind.

In congratulating the Honorary Marine Conservation Officers (HCMOs), Mtati mentioned that this qualification would provide the officers with credits toward a formal qualification, such as a Higher Certificate in Law Enforcement or Diploma in Law Enforcement, to enable them to:
i) Make arrests within the boundaries of the relevant legislation (Marine Living Resource Act).
ii) Issue notices of compliance and issue fines
Open case dockets for investigation by the South African Police Services (SAPS) or any other
investigative authority.
iii) Impound any articles relating to offences under Sea Shore Regulations and by-laws of the
municipalities in whose jurisdiction they operate.
iv) Execute warrants of arrest subject to the provisions of legislation dealing with the
power to make arrests, among other law enforcement operations.

Furthermore, the Marine Protection and Governance sector requires support and involvement
from industry, educational institutions, and communities to grow and ultimately create much
needed employment opportunities within South Africa