Legal Manager: MSP at South African Maritime Safety Authority

• The South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) was established in terms of the SAMSA Act 5 of 1998. It is tasked with the mandate of ensuring the safety of life and property at sea, preventing and combating pollution of the marine environment by ships and the promotion of South Africa’s maritime interests

Job Description
Contractual and Legal Advice

• Compilation and legal advice (and legal liability) on legal documents and contracts, Memorandum of Understanding, 3rd party contracts as well as MSP crew contracts and accompanying documents.
• Involvements and input (interpretation) on the Service Level Agreement that SAMSA MSP has with DEFF.

Regulatory

• SAMSA Regulatory Assistance – Providing legal advice (when required) to SAMSA flag personnel

Industry Relations and Crewing

• Handling all disciplinary matters on appeal
• Timeous administration of the onboard complaints received from crew in line with set procedures
• Assisting crew departments with labour disputes that are instituted in a forum outside SAMSA MSP
• Assisting with drafting of contracts for crew members to ensure it meets legal requirements and prevailing legislation.
• Attend to labour litigation for SAMSA MSP i.e. CCMA and labour court matters
• Maintain effective case management and act as liaison between Management and Union Representatives

Insurance 

• Ensuring that all insurance policies are kept up to date annually and that policy coverage meets required standards.
• Handling and submission of insurance claims (for crew medical or ship equipment) and ensuring that they are submitted timeously to designated insurers.
• Maintenance and updating of the Next of Kin system for seafarers in the event of loss of life.

Charterparty Agreements 

• Assist with initial negotiations with prospective charters, draft charterparty agreement with reference to specific requirements per agreement, compile final costs and invoicing for clients as well as prepare a final reconciliation of costs and profits for management.

Job Requirements
Minimum Requirements

Qualifications

• LLB Degree or BProc Degree
• Master's degree in Maritime Law

Experience

• Minimum of seven (7) years' experience in Commerical and Maritime Law, with experience/ exposure in the areas of negotiating techniques and litigations
• Admitted Attorney of South Africa

Competencies

• Knowledge of the MSA, MLC and other maritime related legislation
• Ability to interpret complex Conventions and Legislation
• Excellent knowledge of established International Maritime Organisation (IMO) and International Labour Organisation (ILO) Conventions. 
• Excellent knowledge of laws relating to the registration of ships and ship mortgages.
• Good knowledge of Administrative, Corporate, Environmental Maritime Laws, Employment & Labour Laws.
• Good knowledge of Government policies relating to statutory bodies.
• Working knowledge of Government procurement guidelines
• Ability to draft legal opinions.
• Work collaboratively with various individuals with varying backgrounds.
• The ability to draft MOU’s and similar agreements.
• Strong acumen for conducting legal research and legal strategies.

Deadline:26th January,2026