The DG for Transport, Mr. A.B. Eksteen, outlines plans for a marine line along the SA coast

On 24 September 1980 the Director General of Transport, Mr. A.B. Eksteen outlined plans for a marine line along the South African coast, similar to the United States coastguard but with no military connection. The marine patrol organisation would reduce and coordinate the work of existing services such as those provided by Sea Fisheries, the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI), aircraft and vessels operated by the Department of Transport and by companies operating anti-pollution vessels and salvage tugs. Eksteen said: “My Department is working on legislation to create an area of control extending 50 nautical miles from the coast in which such patrols would operate and have junction.”