After entering South Africa at an official Port of Entry and completing the necessary procedures with Port Health, Customs, and Immigration, no further health declarations or visits to Immigration or Customs are required for coastal passage-making at additional ports.

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​​It is, however, important that you complete the coastal departure plan, the Passage plan will notify the next port and marina or yacht club for berthing. This is especially valid over the Nov/Dec period, as the berths fill very quickly. It also provides information in a case of emergency.

Note: The Passage plan is not an automatic berth reservation but it merely informs the destination port / marina of your intent to stop by them. You still need to enquire about a berth and book a berth prior to arrival in that port / marina.

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Durban Harbour
GPS coordinates: 29°51’53” S 31°03’32” E
Contact details: VHF Channel 9
Please ensure you have registered for the Department of Transport pre-arrival authorization at least 7 days before your arrival in South Africa by submitting the information online through www.osasa.org.za.

The Port of Durban is operated by Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA). Durban Port Control controls all the shipping and yacht movements in and out of the port. The port is the largest commercial port in Africa with specific areas set aside for pleasure craft. The harbor entrance is marked with lights on the North Breakwater (FL G 3S 15 M) and South Breakwater (FL (2) W 5S 18 M). Lights on the Control Tower are used to warn approaching vessels of shipping movements:

No Light – Channel clear for use. Red Light – Ship leaving harbor; keep clear of the entrance channel. Green Light – Ship entering harbor; keep clear and look behind you; it’s probably approaching your transom as you peer ahead!

Approximately one mile off the breakwater, call “Durban Port Control” on VHF Channel 09 for permission to enter the port and to proceed to the Durban Marina. You will be instructed to keep close to the green marker buoys (Starboard Side) of the main channel on entry. After exiting the main channel, alter course to Starboard and head for the Silburn Channel. Durban Marina, in cooperation with the Harbour Master, Port Health, and SAPS Water Police, will enforce all protocols.

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