Offshore Work In Angola: Is It Safe?

Angola has a reputation for being unsafe, but is it safe to work offshore in the country? Angola is considered a safe country to live in, but its capital, Luanda, has some safety concerns. Expats in the city may be affected by petty crimes, especially at night. Violent crimes are also common in Angola, with criminals kidnapping foreigners from vehicles in and around Luanda. However, working offshore in Angola may present different safety challenges, such as the risk of accidents or incidents on oil extraction vessels or construction vessels. Overall, while Angola may have some safety concerns, working offshore in the country may present different risks and challenges that are important to consider.

Angola's safety concerns: violent crime, civil unrest, and kidnapping

Angola has a high level of crime, especially in the capital city of Luanda, and crimes are often violent. Common crimes include armed robbery, assault, carjacking, mugging, and rape. Criminals target stationary or slow-moving cars for smash-and-grab robberies, and incidents can occur at any time of the day but are more prevalent at night.

To protect yourself from violent crime in Angola, it is recommended that you exercise increased caution, particularly when withdrawing money or exchanging cash. Avoid walking alone and travelling after dark or to isolated areas. When travelling by car, keep the doors locked and windows up at all times, and hide valuables from view. Do not resist if you are the victim of an armed robbery, carjacking, or mugging, as this could lead to an escalation in violence.

Kidnappings have occurred in Angola, including in and around Luanda, and victims are usually foreigners. They are often taken from their vehicles by criminals seeking ransom payments. Be wary of any attempts to stop your vehicle, and avoid using public transportation.

There is also a risk of civil unrest in Angola, particularly in the provinces of Cabinda, Lunda Norte, and Lunda Sul, where armed groups are active and have targeted foreigners in violent attacks. Demonstrations, protests, and strikes occur from time to time in Angola, and even those intended as peaceful have the potential to turn violent with little warning. It is recommended that visitors avoid all demonstrations, protests, and large public gatherings, and monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities.

Safety on offshore oil vessels: a dangerous workplace

Working on an offshore oil vessel in Angola can be a dangerous endeavour. The Kaombo Norte oil-extraction vessel, for instance, holds up to two million barrels of highly flammable crude in its hold. One crew member noted the potential for disaster: "The amount of energy under our feet is huge. The slightest incident can escalate..." To mitigate these risks, crew members are required to wear protective gear, including helmets, goggles, gloves, and safety shoes.

Angola has a high crime rate, and this extends to its capital, Luanda. Common crimes range from petty theft to armed robbery and carjacking, with a higher risk of violent crime occurring at night. In and around Luanda, there have been instances of criminals kidnapping foreigners from vehicles. Therefore, it is recommended to lock your doors and windows, even when moving, and to be vigilant for attempts to stop your vehicle.

Despite the safety concerns, some people find working in Angola acceptable, as long as they take certain precautions. One person advised: "Angola (Luanda) is safe, mostly petty crime. Don't wear flashy clothes/jewellery/branded things and you should be fine." Another long-term expat in Luanda shared their strategy: "Suitcase full of food. Met a few guys that bring a 70lbs cooler with frozen meats."

Overall, while working on offshore oil vessels in Angola can be dangerous, those who are concerned can take precautions to reduce their risk and increase their safety.

Luanda's safety: mostly petty crime

Luanda, Angola's capital city, is a place where foreigners often find themselves due to its status as a travel and business hub. However, it is also a place where crime is prevalent, with the US State Department and UK government advising caution.

The UK government characterises the level of crime in Luanda as "high", with some crimes being violent. Muggers are often armed, and some attacks have resulted in fatalities. Criminals tend to target areas popular with foreigners, such as banks and ATMs, so it is recommended to be cautious when withdrawing money. Additionally, theft from stationary or slow-moving cars is common in downtown Luanda, with thieves also faking minor traffic incidents to get drivers out of their cars and then robbing them.

Street crimes such as pickpocketing and carjacking are also frequent in Luanda. These incidents can turn violent when armed criminals on scooters attack their victims. There are particular places to avoid in Luanda, such as the Roque Santeiro market (although one source notes that this market no longer exists) and Rocha Pinto, as well as the area between bars and restaurants on the Ilha do Cabo. The "Serpentine Road" in front of the US Embassy should also be avoided.

Serious crimes such as rape also occur in the bar and club areas of Luanda, and women are advised not to travel alone at night. In fact, all visitors are advised to avoid the streets of Luanda after dark.

To reduce the risk of becoming a victim of crime in Luanda, it is recommended to take the following precautions:

• Use pre-arranged or hotel cars when withdrawing money
• Avoid walking around Luanda, especially alone or after dark
• Do not wear expensive jewellery or watches, or use mobile phones in public places
• Avoid walking between bars and restaurants on the Ilha do Cabo
• Keep valuables and cash in a hotel safe
• Keep valuables out of sight in cars and do not use mobiles or laptops when in traffic
• Keep car doors locked and windows closed when driving
• Do not pull over if someone signals you to do so

Safety precautions: what to do and what not to do

Angola's health and safety legislation is influenced by its Portuguese colonial legacy and international standards set by organizations like the International Labour Organization (ILO). The Angolan Constitution guarantees workers the right to safe and hygienic working conditions.

Do's:

• Wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as helmets, goggles, gloves, and safety shoes.
• Follow safety protocols and procedures, especially when working with flammable materials or in a confined space.
• Stay informed about workplace health and safety laws and regulations, as well as any company-specific safety policies.
• Be vigilant when drawing cash at ATMs or travelling alone at night, as expatriates are often targeted by criminals.
• Use a four-wheel-drive vehicle for longer distances and ensure you have spare tyres and replacement parts.
• Stick to main roads and avoid driving off the beaten track to reduce the risk of encountering landmines.
• Be cautious of slow-moving cars or those that try to coerce you into pulling over, as these could be pretexts for robbery or hijacking.
• If you are provided with accommodation, ensure it is secure and monitored by 24-hour guards.

Don'ts:

• Don't walk around with large sums of money, especially in packed areas or during rush hours.
• Don't wear jewellery or carry cameras, and avoid driving after dark.
• Don't ignore safety signs, warnings, or instructions from trained personnel.
• Don't attempt to handle hazardous materials or deal with safety incidents without proper training or equipment.
• Don't drive to Angola's northern and southern Lunda provinces unless absolutely necessary, as special documentation is required to enter these diamond-producing areas.

Medical safety: limited medical facilities, insect-borne diseases, and HIV/AIDS

Angola has limited medical facilities, and the standard of medicine may be lower than what you are used to. In the event of a serious injury, emergency care may not be available or may not meet international standards. It is recommended that you take out medical evacuation insurance to address this.

There are also a number of insect-borne diseases present in Angola, including malaria, dengue fever, chikungunya fever, Zika virus fever, yellow fever, West Nile fever, Japanese encephalitis, and tick-borne encephalitis. The CDC recommends that you take prescription medicine to prevent malaria, and that you take steps to avoid bug bites, such as wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats, and using insect repellent.

HIV/AIDS is also a concern in Angola. UNAIDS is working with the Angolan government to reduce new HIV infections among young people and to ensure treatment for those living with the virus.

Frequently asked questions