The task of ensuring that the vessels are safe to proceed to sea has become first priority since the DAFF vessels were brought under the command of SA's Naval Commanding Officers in June this year.
This implies that none of the vessels except SAS Africana - deployed with a contingent of fishing crew and scientists from DAFF in order to conduct important fish specie surveys - have been able to commence with patrols while this safety audit process is underway, reports Ports and Ships.
In the meantime, the SA Navy has deployed its own vessels to conduct patrols, and DAFF fisheries inspectors have been seconded to these vessels. According to Ports and Ships, one of these patrols resulted in the arrest of a fishing vessel that was not in possession of the required permits and a fine was issued.
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