WALVIS BAY – The Namibian Maritime and Fisheries Institute (Namfi) has raised N$455 000 to establish a Maritime and Offshore Safety Training Centre in Walvis Bay, as Namibia prepares for increased activity in the emerging offshore oil and gas industry.
The funds were raised at the institute’s 30th-anniversary fundraising gala dinner on Friday in Walvis Bay. Namfi plans to build the state-of-the-art centre in the town to strengthen local capacity for specialised maritime and offshore safety training. Acting director of the centre, Meriam Mwiya, said on Friday evening that land has been secured for the development, along with a feasibility study and architectural drawings.
However, she said that despite the funds raised, substantial funding is still required to construct, equip and operationalise the facility.
According to her, the centre will offer specialised training in offshore survival, helicopter underwater escape, firefighting, emergency response and other safety competencies required in the maritime, fisheries and offshore energy industries.
“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,” said Mwiya.
She said that establishing the facility locally would improve access to internationally recognised training, reduce dependence on foreign training institutions and strengthen Namibia’s participation in emerging employment opportunities.
Mwiya also called for investment in modern maritime simulators, the rehabilitation of ageing facilities, and more sustainable institutional funding to ensure the institute remains up to date with technological developments in the maritime sector.
“Unfortunately, Namfi’s infrastructure has not kept pace with these developments,” she said.
She added that modern seafarers needed access to advanced simulation technology and practical training that mirrored real operating conditions.
According to her, concerns persist about Namibia’s international maritime compliance and the recognition of its seafarers’ qualifications.
However, Mwiya explained that the proposed centre and Namibia’s International Maritime Organisation (IMO) white-listing status are separate matters. While the centre would expand specialised training capacity, white listing depends on compliance with the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW).
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