The Namibian Maritime and Fisheries Institute (NAMFI) has raised N$455 000 towards establishing a Maritime and Offshore Safety Training Centre in Walvis Bay, as Namibia positions itself for growing opportunities in the offshore oil and gas industry.
The funds were raised during NAMFI’s 30th-anniversary fundraising gala dinner on Friday, marking three decades of training and developing professionals for Namibia’s maritime and fisheries sectors. Establishing the facility locally would improve access to specialised training, reduce dependence on foreign institutions and better prepare Namibians to compete for employment opportunities in the emerging offshore industry.
Acting Director Meriam Mwiya described the anniversary as a significant milestone, highlighting the institute’s contribution to training thousands of Namibians over the past 30 years. However, she warned that ageing infrastructure and outdated training equipment threaten the institute’s ability to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving maritime industry.
Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform Ruthy Masake urged industry stakeholders to support skills development, emphasising that strengthening NAMFI is essential to Namibia’s economic growth and future workforce. Mwiya said land had been secured for the proposed training centre, with a feasibility study completed and architectural drawings prepared. Funding remains the major obstacle to construction, equipping and operationalising the facility.
The centre is expected to offer specialised courses in offshore survival, helicopter underwater escape, firefighting and emergency response, critical skills as offshore energy exploration and production activities expand. “Currently, many Namibians must travel to South Africa or other countries to obtain specialised offshore safety certifications, at considerable cost to individuals, employers and the national economy,” Mwiya said. She also called for investment in modern maritime simulators, the rehabilitation of ageing facilities and sustainable funding to ensure the institute keeps pace with international technological developments. Mwiya said, “Although the N$455 000 raised represents an important step towards the project, substantial investment is still required. NAMFI is calling on government, private-sector partners and development institutions to provide financial support, technical assistance and sponsorships to turn the proposed centre into reality”.
The institute says the investment would strengthen Namibia’s maritime training capacity and help ensure that local skills are ready to meet the demands of a changing offshore economy, she concluded.
By Rudi Bowe
