The founder of the Namibian Association for Offshore Oil and Gas Service Providers (NAOGSP), Knowledge Ipinge, has advocated for the establishment of an Independent Namibian Offshore Safety Regulator equipped and empowered to uphold safety standards without bias or influence from corporate interests.
Ipinge spoke at the two-day Erongo Offshore Safety Conference at the MTC Dome in Swakopmund on Thursday, May 1, 2025.
The conference theme is Advancing Operational Safety in Namibia’s Offshore Oil & Gas Industry.
Ipinge said the proposed independent regulator’s mandate should ensure strict adherence to safety protocols and independent audits and inspections.
He said these measures are not optional and non-negotiable for safeguarding the lives of those who contribute to the economy.
“Workers in the oil and gas fields often endure prolonged periods away from their families, living in harsh and isolating conditions,” Ipinge said.
He added that it is essential to establish a welfare program that provides mental health support, financial assistance, and family care initiatives for the employees. “It is our responsibility to ensure that those who labour in these critical sectors do not suffer in silence,” he said. Ipinge further noted that to enhance the people’s well-being and enable them to live dignified lives, there is a need to build a diversified economy where oil and gas funds education and healthcare and address historical marginalization.
According to Ipinge, the Erongo Offshore Safety Conference honours the deep-rooted connection between International Workers’ Day and the brave efforts that have arisen to prioritize offshore safety.
“Our gathering on this holiday is not accidental. It is deeply rooted in the relentless struggle of offshore oil and gas workers who are frequently exposed to hazardous materials and strenuous working conditions, which are fraught with significant risks,” he said.
Ipinge also said the journey to the conference began in March 2020 when, in his capacity as the Chairperson of the Walvis Bay Urban Constituency Disaster Risk Management Committee, he witnessed first-hand how Namibian offshore workers faced heightened anxiety due to existing gaps in several key laws and policies related to our offshore industry, extended shifts, isolation that led to mental health challenges, and uncertainty about job security.
“With this in mind, I appeal to every attendee of the Erongo Offshore Safety Conference to shift from a top-down, paternalistic approach to one that genuinely values and incorporates the voices of all employees,” he said.
Ipinge said the Erongo Offshore Safety Conference is designed to cultivate a safety culture and assure the public that offshore petroleum activities in Namibia will be conducted safely.
“Together, we will emphasize the accountability of operators, service companies, and regulators in managing associated risks offshore Namibia to ensure excellence in safety performance and employee well-being,” he said.
