Renewal of competency

When should I renew my competency?

(DO THIS YOURSELF – NOBODY SHOULD CHARGE FOR THIS  – DOES NOT REQUIRE MOTIVATION)

There are different interpretations of when competency is renewable due to the patently poor wording of the Firearms Control Act 60 of 2000 and its Regulations on the subject pertaining to multiple firearms per category (several handguns, several rifles and / or several shotguns).

It would be most sensible that subsequent firearm licences extend the validity period of a particular firearm category (e.g. a handgun licensed in 2018 under section 13 alone would mean that the handgun competency expires in 2023 after 5 years with the licence as a s13 licence is only valid for 5 years – however, if a second handgun is subsequently licensed in 2020 under s15 / s16 for sport shooting – it SHOULD extend the competency validity period to the expiry date of the last-licensed firearm for that category, namely, until 2030 (as s15/16 firearm licences are valid for 10 year periods).

Accordingly, in such instance, it would be logical that the s13 licence be renewed in 2023 but the handgun competency only be renewed with the s15 / s16 handgun licence.

However, some DFO’s will:

1. simply follow the date of issue of the competency and insist that the competency be renewed 10 years after competency issue (which is insane – because there’s no provision for this in the Act); or

2. insist that the first licence dictates the competency validity period.

The low risk option, to avoid unnecessary interpretational differences and arguments, prepare renewal applications each time you renew a firearm licence if such firearm licence is the first or last firearm of a particular category (first handgun or first shotgun or first rifle etc.) – unless, of course, there was a recent competency renewal.

It’s a stupid anomaly and should be legislatively corrected – however, here we are.

How should I renew my competency?

No motivation is needed for competency renewal.

For your competency renewal bundle you will require the following documents:

• Filled in SAPS517(g) form (DOWNLOAD);

• R________ cash (this changes from year to year);
• 2 copies of your ID Document;
• A copy of your proof of residence;
• A copy of your current SAPS competency certificate;
• A copy of your current licence cards for firearms licensed to you;
• A copy of your training certificate when you did your competency, namely:
  1. Knowledge of the Firearms Control Act 60 of 2000 (law module certificate); and
  2. Handle and Use a Handgun certificate (etc – any additional competencies that may stand to be renewed)
• A copy of your PFTC Statement of Results;
• A character testimonial by your spouse, a colleague and a friend (3 character testimonials) confirming that you are a fit and proper person and that they have no objection to you renewing your competency or possessing licensed firearms (see attached examples).