The regulations, published under the National Water Act, are expected to apply to hundreds of state-owned dams (estimated around 320 nationally managed waterworks) — meaning the impact could be widespread for boaters, anglers, and water sport enthusiasts.

While the intention is said to improve safety, environmental protection, and management of these water resources, the proposals have already sparked strong reactions from the boating community, with some calling them excessive and difficult to implement.

What’s Changing?

Restricted access to dams
Access to many dams may require formal approval from a managing authority, landowner, or leaseholder — a major shift from the more open access many users are used to.

Possible paid access or licensing
There are growing concerns that users may need to pay for access or obtain licences to boat or swim at public dams, raising questions about affordability and fairness.

More red tape for everyday use
Activities like events, filming, or even organised recreational use could require multiple approvals and agreements, adding layers of admin for clubs and businesses.

“The draft regulations provide that taking pictures at a dam is an ‘illegal activity’. Photographers may not ‘access’ the land next to the water surface, without concluding five agreements with (the) Department of Water and Sanistation,” said Dr Igor Scheurkogel MP and the DA’s NCOP Spokesperson on Water and Sanitation.

Stricter boating compliance
All vessels must meet national safety requirements, and access can be denied if documentation or equipment is not in order.

“The owner of a travelling vessel to a waterworks must report to a wash bay at a waterworks. Should there be no wash bay, the Competent Authority, lessee or landowner will ensure that the vessel and trailer are clean with no visible plant material on the vessel or trailer prior to launching,” it stated in the Government Gazette.

Environmental & fishing controls
New rules aim to protect biodiversity, including limits on fishing methods, stricter waste management, and bans on introducing species without approval.

No spearfishing or crossbow fishing will be allowed.

Night-Time & noise restrictions
Night boating will largely require approval, and strict noise curfews could change the social and recreational atmosphere at many dams.

Excessive noise generating activities include loud music, engine revving and unruly behaviour.

People will only be allowed to sleep overnight on the water if they are in officially designated overnight areas and on boats that have been specifically approved through a commercial agreement with the authorities. In simple terms, you can’t just anchor anywhere and stay the night — it must be a permitted area and an approved vessel. Boats also cannot be used as permanent homes or long-term places to live on the water.

In addition, any boat with a toilet or sanitation system must safely store waste in a holding tank and dispose of it properly on land using approved sewer systems. Boat owners will also need to keep detailed records of how and when waste is removed and disposed of, and these records must be kept for up to four years. The authorities can request to inspect these records at any time.

Why these regulations are causing concern

Critics argue the regulations could limit public access, introduce unnecessary bureaucracy, and impact tourism and small businesses that rely on dam-based activities.

“If these regulations came into effect, every single business next to dams regardless whether or not on the shoreline, like Alida Botha that owns Fish Busters, a fishing tackle store in Deneysville will have to sign a Private Public Partnership because she is ‘generating’ money from the Vaal Dam,” Scheurkogel said.

Anyone who fails to comply with these rules will be seen as committing an offence under the Act and, if found guilty, could face a fine or even jail time.

Click here to read or download the proposed regulations published in the Government Gazette.

If you own a boat, you’ll know there’s nothing like getting out on the water, hitting the throttle, and letting the wind blow your hair back. Exhilarating stuff.

And, with a couple of public holidays and long weekends coming up, we know you’re going to find every opportunity to hit the open water.

But it might not be all calm water. Like with any motorised or mechanical vehicle (especially one subjected to the elements), some issues will surface from time to time. But fear not, we’re going to break down some of the common boat problems possibly causing your breakdown.

What are some common boat problems you might face?

How long is a piece of string?

This question comes to mind when wanting to make a list of common boat problems.

There are many places on a boat that can ruin your day on the water, sometimes even before you launch.

Want to keep ahead of any common boat problems before they surface? Check out our boat service schedule.

A good boat is a sum of all its parts.

When everything on your boat is working well, the chances of issues cropping up are less.

So if we took the long list above, and segmented it, you’re looking at issues with the hull, electrical problems, engine troubles, and wear and tear on your rigging. 

Hull Issues

From water leaks to propeller damage, hull problems can compromise your boat’s integrity and seaworthiness.

Electrical Problems

Faulty switches, failing pumps, and faulty connections can lead to electrical malfunctions, leaving you stranded on the water.

Engine Troubles

Whether it’s running out of gas or dealing with sputtering engine failure, engine issues can quickly turn a pleasant voyage into a frustrating ordeal.

Wear and Tear on Rigging

Excessive vibration, worn-out spark plugs, and damaged stringers can all contribute to wear and tear on your boat’s rigging, affecting its performance and safety.

Prevention is often better than cure. So by keeping an eye on your boat and its components, you could most likely resolve something before it turns into a problem.

Read our 11 Crucial Checks to Get at Your Next Boat Service.

Find a great boat repair shop near you to fix common boat problems

By simply having conversations with others in the boating community, their word-of-mouth recommendations could put you in touch with a great shop. Online reviews on Google and social media are also good indicators of great service (or not).

Check out our helpful guide to navigating boat repairs.

And if you’re in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) we’d love to show you our workshop.

How to book a service or boat repairs with Nauti-Tech Suzuki

It’s very simple to book a service with us. You can do so in any of the following ways:

• Phone 041 585 1481 (PE)
• Email hello@nautitechsuzuki.com 
• WhatsApp +27 61 512 7498
• Contact us via the website
• Or drop by at 5 Produce Street in South End, PE.

Time for a new outboard motor? Learn more about Suzuki’s Offset Driveshaft.

ALL NEW BOATS

Plus: Deep sea, ski-boat, river or cabin cruisers: See all our custom-built new boats. And discover everything we’ve repowered, refitted, refurbed and all new launches + their motors, all under our collective of boats.

THE PURSUIT OF AWESOME

Legend also has it that most boats run better under Suzuki power. Discover it for yourself among these Suzuki outboards.

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Need to refurbish, refit and revive your boat? Take a peek inside our award-winning Suzuki Marine workshop.