Ed Punchard, a survivor of the disaster on July 6, 1998, is calling for a 20th anniversary scholarship scheme where graduate students could apply for one of 167 individual scholarships, each in the name of one of those who lost their lives on Piper Alpha.

This would allow students to further their study or research in an area that contributes to the cause of offshore safety.

NOPSA said that while the proposal is being launched in the United Kingdom, it hopes that industry in Australia will support it.

NOPSA occupational health and safety inspector Frank Murray, who was the first British Department of Energy representative called out to respond to the disaster 20 years ago, said the proposal will put the emphasis on the future and assist a new generation of young people who will be involved in the oil and gas industry.

"The scholarships will enable them to learn from the Piper disaster and put into effect their own safety innovations.

"Industry support for these scholarships will keep the memory of those lost on Piper Alpha alive and make a positive contribution to enhancing future offshore safety."

The Cullen Report into the Piper Alpha disaster is credited with making far reaching safety recommendations that have been accepted by the offshore petroleum industry globally.

These include the need to establish an independent offshore safety regulator and the adoption of the safety case regime, where an operator commits to reducing risks to a level as low as reasonably practicable.