A signal’s post, with a pilot boat and crew, was established at Knysna in 1818 after the river Knysna was proved to be a safe port.

It was, however, only in 1881 that Knysna was proclaimed a Free Port and considered fit for importation and exportation according to section 15 of Act No 10 of 1872.

Mr J Campbell acted as Examining Officer in Charge of Customs as from January 1881 and was appointed Sub-Collector, Examining Officer and Warehouse keeper on 19 December 1881.

The Resident Magistrate and Civil Commissioner also held the position of Collector of Customs.

On 7 September 1954 the Knysna Harbour was withdrawn from the jurisdiction of the South African Railways and Harbours Administration.