Scuba Diving MPA online permits

Recreational Diving Permits for Marine Protected Areas (MPA) in South Africa

To engage in certain activities like scuba diving, spearfishing, and foraging within the Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) along the South African coastline, permits are required. These permits can be obtained online through the Department of Forestry and Fisheries (DFFE) website: https://www.fishing.dffe.gov.za.

The collapse of the South African postal service and the closure of many post offices have made it challenging to obtain these permits traditionally. The online system aims to provide a more accessible and efficient way for individuals to acquire the necessary permits for recreational fishing and diving.

Permit Costs (Annual – valid for 12 months):

• West Coast Rock Lobster: R 87
• East Coast Rock Lobster: R 87
• Molluscs, including octopus, squid, worms, other invertebrates, and aquatic plants: R 87
• Mud Crab: R 87
• Marine Aquarium Fish: R 87
• Angling: R 69
• Spearfishing: R 87
• Use of cast or throw net: R 87
• Additional fee per vessel (only payable by the skipper) for recreational fishing from such a vessel where applicable: R 87
• Scuba Diving in a Marine Protected Area: R 85

Temporary Permits (Valid for 4 weeks):

• Molluscs, including octopus, squid, worms, other invertebrates, and aquatic plants: R 50
• Mud Crab: R 50
• Marine Aquarium Fish: R 50
• Angling: R 45
• Spearfishing: R 50
• Use of cast or throw net: R 50
• Additional per vessel (only payable by the skipper) for recreational fishing from such a vessel where applicable: R 50
• Scuba Diving in a Marine Protected Area: R 42

These permits are relatively inexpensive, and the funds generated from the permits are intended for the upkeep of the Marine Protected Areas.

Additional Resources:

• Marine Recreational Fishing Brochure: This document provides comprehensive information on the rules, restrictions, applicable areas, no-go zones, catch sizes, and bag limits for recreational fishing and foraging within the Marine Protected Areas.
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• At the time of writing this article the E-Permit system did not work on Safari browsers. It is recommended to use Chrome or Edge browsers when applying for your Diving Permits online.