South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa has signed into law legislation that will improve the safety of navigation in South Africa’s territorial waters. The Presidency made the announcement in a statement on 5 June.

The Hydrographic Act provides for the establishment of the Hydrographic Office as a unit within the South African Navy, with the responsibility for the safety of navigation in South Africa’s exclusive economic zone and the internal waters of the Republic.

The office will ensure that hydrographic surveying is carried out in accordance with international specifications and will issue sailing directions, notices to mariners and nautical publications in addition to the provision of other services.