Page 14: of Marine News Magazine (November 2015)

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INSIGHTS

Randall Luthi

President,

National Ocean Industries

Association (NOIA) andall Luthi is President of the National Ocean Indus- oil and natural gas industry was already facing what many tries Association (NOIA), a Washington-based advo- referred to as the “gray tsunami,” meaning the expected

Rcacy group dedicated, among other things, to the safe retirement of many experienced employees. The collapse development of offshore energy. He sat down with Marine- of oil prices has exacerbated this phenomenon. Compa-

News in October to provide his perspective – re? ective of the nies are reducing the number of employees as they adjust more than 300 NOIA member companies – on the matters costs to revenue. Often the two groups most affected are of providing environmental safeguards, equipment supply, those nearing retirement (thus able to take early out pack- gas transmission, navigation, research and technology, ship- ages) and those most recently hired. So, the trick is keeping ping and shipbuilding to the offshore industry. a suf? cient mix of old timers and new blood to facilitate

The offshore energy business is without question at a ramping back up quickly once oil prices recover. Compa- critical juncture. Faced with similar issues as those experi- nies with more capital are better positioned to withstand enced in the great downturn in the mid-1980’s, the key to the pressure to reduce employees that eventually will be the future may well reside in not making the mistakes of the key to recovery. Unfortunately, many of those laid off will past. This month, and just in time for the annual Workboat move to other industries that are hiring, and are unlikely edition of MarineNews, Luthi weighs in on all of it. to return.

The offshore energy business is without question at NOIA has stated that the proposed Well Control Rule a critical juncture. Faced with similar issues as those may actually be so prescriptive that it might actually experienced in the great downturn in the mid-1980’s, result in decreased safety offshore, undermining the the key to the future may well reside in not making intent of the rule. How so?

the mistakes of the past. These include the loss of

BSEE’s proposed action represents one of the most sub- key personnel to other industries. What’s your take stantial rulemakings in the history of the agency and its on how industry can do just that?

predecessors. NOIA requested that the comment period be

Before the downturn of oil prices in the last year, the extended by 120 days, until October 14, 2015. On June 2,

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