The October training provides hands-on experience in vessel surveys, safety audits and risk assessment as the programme prepares for the next phase on watchkeeping.
By Heapnews
The Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) and international maritime association Interferry have completed a training module designed to improve ferry safety inspection and surveying skills among maritime professionals in Africa.
The Module 6 training, which focused on survey and inspection, was conducted throughout October 2026 under the Africa Ferry Safety Development and Mentoring Programme.
The programme provided participants with practical and technical knowledge to assess the structural condition, safety and operational compliance of commercial passenger ferries.
The training combined self-paced theoretical sessions facilitated by class surveyors from the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) and Lloyd’s Register with virtual mentorship and supervised field exercises.
On October 21, participants took part in a virtual Ask the Expert session with Interferry professionals Joep Bollerman, Francesco Ruisi and Darren Johnston, who shared insights into international ferry safety standards and surveying practices.
This was followed by a practical exercise on October 28, when participants joined condition and safety compliance audits at operational passenger ferry terminals.
The field exercise was supervised by Sandra (Okoli) Ubong of ABS and Engr. Frank Fayinto of Lloyd’s Register, giving the mentees an opportunity to apply international classification standards and inspection procedures in real operational settings.
The practical training covered an eight-step survey methodology, taking participants through the inspection process, from preparation and onboard assessment to documentation and field reporting.
Participants also learnt how to identify safety deficiencies involving vessel hull integrity, life-saving appliances, fire protection systems and machinery installations.
Other areas covered included evidence-based reporting using the 5W+1H principle, systematic documentation of inspection findings, deficiency logging and risk prioritisation.
The programme also trained participants to classify identified deficiencies according to their urgency, distinguishing between issues requiring immediate attention and those that could be addressed over the medium or longer term.
Such assessments are intended to help maritime professionals prioritise corrective measures and improve safety standards in ferry operations.
LASWA said the completion of the module reflected the commitment of the Lagos State Government and its international partners to building technical capacity and strengthening safety practices across Africa’s inland waterways.
The authority acknowledged the contributions of the Interferry mentors, field facilitators, Chief Executive Officer Mike Corrigan and Ferrysafe Executive Sponsor Shari Corrigan to the training.
The programme also receives institutional support from the Lagos State Government, with the Special Adviser to the Governor on Blue Economy, Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, providing strategic support.
The initiative will move to Module 7, focusing on watchkeeping, in November 2026. The next phase will address vessel operations, navigational safety and effective watchkeeping practices.
LASWA said the collaboration was part of its efforts to improve professional standards, strengthen passenger safety and support the development of a more efficient and sustainable water transportation system in Lagos State and across Africa.