Chamwe Kaira
A proposed offshore petroleum safety regulator wants to have the power to impose fines and penalties and shut down operations when necessary in the oil and gas sector.
The regulator would go beyond compliance and safety audits by enforcing strict measures to ensure accountability in the sector.
“The Offshore Petroleum Safety Regulatory body will not just oversee compliance and conduct safety audits but will have the authority to impose penalties, fines and shutdown operations when necessary,” said the founder of the Erongo Offshore Safety Conference, Knowledge Ipinge, who recently spoke at the Namibia Oil and Gas Conference in Windhoek.
The call for an independent regulator follows a resolution from the Erongo Offshore Safety Conference held in May in Swakopmund.
Ipinge said the governance model would include ministries, government departments, and the Upstream Petroleum Unit under the Presidency. Industry stakeholders such as the Namibia Petroleum Operators Association (NAMPOA), the Namibian Association for Offshore Oil and Gas Service Providers (NAOGSP), and workers’ representatives under International Labour Organisation standards would also take part.
“It’s all about balancing perspectives and ensuring that all relevant stakeholders have a voice at the table. Moving on, we advocate for a risk-based inspection framework. Instead of a cookie-cutter approach, we’ll focus our regulatory attention where it really matters: on high-risk installations,” he said.
Ipinge said the regulator would be modelled on the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) in the United States. He explained that it would target low-probability but high-consequence events such as gas leaks or blowouts.
“Next up, strengthening our emergency preparedness. This is absolutely non-negotiable. We will implement updated norms like minimum lifeboat seating requirements, regular evacuation drills and offshore helicopter incident management. Proactivity here isn’t optional; it’s essential,” he said.
He stressed that Namibia must develop systems able to withstand extreme pressures and unpredictable weather caused by the Benguela Current. Lessons from the Deepwater Horizon disaster, he said, showed the importance of human-factor-informed safety systems.
“Enforcement mechanisms are crucial. We’re looking at robust strategies like mandatory shutdowns and financial penalties for safety violations. Let’s be clear: these measures aren’t about punishing people or companies; they’re about keeping safety at the forefront of our operations in the territorial sea and Exclusive Economic Zone of Namibia,” he said.
Ipinge said Namibia should seek membership in the International Regulators Forum (IRF) to benefit fromglobal safety data and best practices.
He also proposed integrating the UK’s safety-case model and Norway’s barrier management approach to manage systemic risks in ultra-deepwater exploration.
“There is a need to mandate compulsory certifications and tailored training for all offshore workers and training funding commitment by companies,” he said.
“Namibia is still in its infancy when viewed from an international lens. We are not immune to the tragedies that can arise during offshore activities. The recent tragic events in various oil and gas production countries remind us all of the precarious nature of offshore operations and the essential need for vigilance, safety and accountability.”
