Uche Cecil Izuora
The Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), in collaboration with Interferry, has concluded Module Three: Ferry Safety of Africa’s first-ever Ferry Safety Development and Mentoring Programme, marking another significant milestone in its commitment to raising safety standards and building professional capacity within the inland waterways sector.
The module equipped 50 emerging ferry professionals with critical knowledge and practical skills in ferry safety, emergency preparedness and incident response, reinforcing the programme’s objective of developing a highly skilled and safety-conscious workforce for Africa’s growing ferry industry.
Held throughout July 2026, the module combined self-paced virtual learning with intensive practical training. The academic sessions were facilitated by Dr. Bolaji Dunsin and Dr. Ayaobu-Cookey of the Nigerian Institute of Oceanography and Marine Research (NIOMR), while participants also benefited from an interactive “Ask the Expert” session led by Mr. Darren Johnston, Vice President, Marine Operations, BC Ferries, who shared global best practices in ferry safety and operations.
The practical component, conducted on 29 July 2026 at the Prime Atlantic Safety Services Ltd. (PASS) training facility in Ogun State, provided participants with hands-on experience in essential emergency response procedures. Under the guidance of experienced PASS instructors, trainees undertook practical exercises covering Abandon Ship procedures—including alarm recognition, mustering, headcount, use of personal protective equipment, survival craft preparation and deployment—as well as Man Overboard response techniques, encompassing immediate emergency actions, bridge response, vessel manoeuvring, rescue deployment and first aid.
The Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Blue Economy and General Manager of LASWA, Mr. Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, commended the PASS training team, led by Senior Training Instructor Mr. Gbenga Kuku, alongside five other experienced instructors, for delivering world-class practical instruction and for their unwavering commitment to strengthening ferry safety capacity.
He also expressed appreciation to the Managing Director of PASS, Mrs. Folake Soyannwo, for her invaluable support and for providing access to the state-of-the-art training facility that made the practical exercise possible.
Mr. Emmanuel further acknowledged Interferry for sponsoring the pioneering initiative and extended special appreciation to Mrs. Shari Corrigan, Director, Conferences and Finance, Interferry, and Executive Sponsor, FerrySafe, for her steadfast commitment to advancing ferry safety and mentoring the next generation of ferry professionals across Africa.
With the successful completion of Module Three, the programme now advances to Module Four: Introduction to Engine Systems, scheduled to run throughout August 2026.
The Ferry Safety Development and Mentoring Programme continues to set new benchmarks for professional excellence by developing competent, safety-conscious and technically proficient ferry personnel who will contribute to safer, more efficient and sustainable inland waterway transportation in Lagos, Nigeria and across the African continent.