ECSA Legalities

https://www.ecsa.co.za/default.aspx

A. WHY REGISTER WITH ECSA?

Because the law requires people doing engineering work to do so

Because that is the way that your qualification is accepted internationally via three accords:

• • Washington Accord – Engineers

• • Sydney Accord – Technologists

• • Dublin Accord – Technicians

B. ACTS

• • 3CBEAct43_2000

• • Eng Prof Act 46 of 2000

• • Identification of Engineering Work

• • Guideline Professional Fees Scope of Services and Tariff of Fees

• • Overarching Code of Practice for the Performance of Engineering Work

C. LEGAL ISSUES

For Technicians, Technologists and Engineers to do work in the Engineering field, they need to understand what was Gazetted as Engineering Work.

It is a legal requirement that a person must register with the Engineering Council of South Africa as a Professional Engineer, a Professional Engineering Technologist or a Professional Engineering Technician – see the Engineering Professions Act 46 of 2000.

By not being registered, the individual stands the risk of having to pay a fine equal to double his / her salary while doing that work.

To register and remain registered, it is compulsory for professionals to obtain CPD points on a regular basis. 

D. INDIVIDUAL REGISTRATION

• • Categories of Registration

• • Description of the Registration Process

• • Apply for Registration

To assist you, we have added the following documents that will play a major role in your assessment.

• • 11 Outcomes – example
  • Assessment Form

E. Questions and Answers

Q1: Why did SAIMC join ECSA as Voluntary Association?

Answer:

• Through ECSA we are driving recognition of Automation as a separate engineering discipline
• To assist ECSA in assessments etc. for Automation staff that want to register as professionals.
• So that our members who are registered as professionals may obtain a discount from ECSA.

Q2: Why is ECSA placing restrictions on the SAIMC?

Answer:

• ECSA needs to ensure that engineers, technologists and technicians have the theoretical knowledge as well as the experience to apply engineering principles in professional manner. 
• The purpose and function of the VA is to support ECSA in this drive within their unique area of expertise.

Q3: What does ECSA know about Automation, Instrumentation, Mechatronics and Computer Engineering?

Answer:

• There is a misconception that ECSA has employed many different engineering professionals. This is not true.
• ECSA uses people like you and me who are registered as professionals and has experience in our fields to assist in the evaluation of the  candidates’ experience. 

Q4: How can SAIMC assist me with ECSA registration?

Answer:

1. The SAIMC has identified the basis document that you need to complete. This document, if completed properly, will contain the most important facts required for your registration and is used extensively by the Assessors during the evaluation of your experience.
2. The SAIMC has also populated this template with examples to show you the type of information that will be required in this document and what type of information is “for information only”.
3. Once you have completed this document, you can send that to Admin who will arrange for your document to be assessed before you finalise this document and complete all the other documents required by the registration process.