15 Sep 2025
Debmarine Namibia proudly
reaffirmed its commitment to maritime excellence through a meaningful
sponsorship handover to the Namibia Maritime and Fisheries Institute (NAMFI) in
Walvis Bay. The event marked a pivotal moment in our ongoing partnership with NAMFI,
underscoring our shared dedication to cultivating skilled, safety-conscious
professionals for Namibia’s ocean economy.
At the heart of the sponsorship
was a fully equipped lifeboat - 9.1 metres long, 3 metres wide, and weighing
five tonnes, with a seating capacity of 66. This lifeboat offers students a
realistic and hands-on training experience in emergency preparedness, vessel
handling, and life-saving procedures. As CEO Willy Mertens noted, “This is not
just a collection of items, it is an investment in the future of Namibia’s
maritime professionals and the safety of our seas.”
Complementing the lifeboat were
second-hand wetsuit jackets, ideal for cold-water survival drills, and a
comprehensive selection of maritime publications to enrich NAMFI’s library and
training centre. These resources bridge the gap between theory and practice,
ensuring students have access to global best practices and up-to-date
knowledge.
NAMFI’s Acting Executive
Director, Ms Meriam Mwiya, expressed heartfelt appreciation, highlighting the
timeliness and impact of the donation. “This contribution will enhance our
training capabilities, improve safety standards, and better prepare our students
for the challenges of the maritime environment,” she said.
This handover builds on a legacy
of support, including a previous lifeboat donation that served NAMFI well for
years. The gesture symbolises a continued partnership rooted in shared
responsibility, mutual growth, and a collective vision for sustainable
development.
As Debmarine Namibia continues
to invest in the future of maritime education, we remain committed to
empowering the next generation of seafarers with the skills, integrity, and
resilience needed to navigate the evolving demands of the ocean economy.
Together, we sail forward towards
a safer, smarter, and more sustainable maritime future.
