By Bunmi Yekini
The Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) has launched Africa’s first Ferry Safety Development and Mentoring Programme, an 18-month initiative aimed at improving ferry safety standards, operational efficiency and professionalism on the state’s waterways.
The programme was formally launched in Lagos by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Blue Economy, Mr. Damilola Emmanuel, on behalf of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu.
Speaking at the event, Emmanuel described the initiative as a landmark step in strengthening safety across Africa’s waterways sector.
“Today, we are not just launching a programme, we are making history with Africa’s very first Ferry Safety Development and Mentoring Program,” he said.
The programme, developed in partnership with Interferry, will train 50 ferry professionals, including ferry captains, pilots, marine engineers, mechanics, deckhands, crew supervisors, operations and fleet managers, and safety and compliance officers.
According to Emmanuel, the initiative aligns with the Lagos State government’s blue economy agenda and reflects its commitment to ensuring safer waterways transportation for commuters.
“Our partnership with Interferry is a source of immense pride. Their IMO consultative status guarantees that our ferry operators are trained to the world’s highest standards,” he said.
A presentation delivered by LASWA Programme Coordinator, Mr. Ukeme Sunday, showed that the curriculum was designed based on skills gaps identified among local ferry operators and would combine online learning, mentorship and practical training sessions over 18 months.
Read Also: Lagos Launches Africa-First Ferry Safety Programme with Global Partners
The programme is divided into two tracks, online content delivery and in-person practical sessions, with monthly virtual mentoring sessions led by Interferry experts and physical field training conducted during the fourth week of each month.
Training modules include ferry design and construction, seamanship, ferry safety, safety management systems, vessel inspection, weather operations, emergency response, collision regulations, passenger operations, maritime security, routine maintenance, drydocking, confined space operations and leadership development.
The practical component will cover knots and ropework, radar navigation, VHF communication, machinery overhaul, fire and abandon-ship drills, flooding response, bomb detection, pirate attack response and onboard communication exercises.
LASWA said the programme is expected to improve technical and operational mastery, vessel maintenance, navigation accuracy, emergency response efficiency, safety culture and compliance with global ferry industry best practices.
The programme will involve facilitators from several maritime and emergency management institutions, including the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, National Inland Waterways Authority, Nigerian Navy, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency and the Nigerian Meteorological Agency. International mentor organisations participating in the programme include BC Ferries, Lloyd’s Register and the Worldwide Ferry Safety Association.
LASWA said the pilot initiative could later be replicated in other regions across Africa as part of efforts to strengthen ferry safety standards across the continent.