This June the South African Navy will bring four naval ships and highly trained forces to Durban’s shores as part of its World Hydrography Day celebrations which runs alongside Transnet National Ports Authority’s Durban Port Festival from June 18-19.
Observed officially on June 21, World Hydrography Day is a global commemoration that celebrates the art and science of hydrography and its importance for all shipping and recreational use of waterways.
The SA Navy will also have its diving display tank present on site for the public to interact with SA Navy divers.
In addition Transnet National Ports Authority has made available some of its tugboats to enable the public to get on board and enjoy free tug rides throughout the weekend of the Durban Port Festival.
TNPA’s Durban port manager, Moshe Motlohi, said the idea behind the Durban Port Festival was to bring communities closer to the ports.
“Port access has been restricted since the advent of the global ISPS code of safety and security for ports a few years ago, and as a result communities have become disconnected from the ports. While we do need to adhere to these requirements, we are also aware of the need to develop and nurture relationships with our communities and ensure that they are exposed to the work we do and the opportunities that exist for them through the ports,” he said.
