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Olorundare Enimola
The Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), in partnership with Interferry, has completed the third module of Africa’s first Ferry Safety Development and Mentoring Programme, aimed at strengthening safety standards and professional capacity in the inland waterways sector.
The latest module, titled “Ferry Safety,” trained 50 emerging ferry professionals in safety management, emergency preparedness and incident response, as part of efforts to develop a skilled and safety-conscious workforce for the continent’s growing ferry industry.
The programme, which ran throughout July 2026, 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 took part in an interactive “Ask the Expert” session led by Mr. Darren Johnston, Vice President, Marine Operations, BC Ferries.
Johnston shared international best practices in ferry safety and marine operations with the participants.
The practical aspect of the module was held on July 29, 2026, at the Prime Atlantic Safety Services Ltd. (PASS) training facility in Ogun State, where participants received hands-on training in emergency response procedures.
Under the supervision of experienced PASS instructors, the trainees undertook exercises on abandon-ship procedures, including alarm recognition, mustering, headcount procedures, use of personal protective equipment, and the preparation and deployment of survival craft.
They were also trained in man-overboard response, covering immediate emergency actions, bridge response, vessel manoeuvring, rescue deployment and first-aid procedures.
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, for providing practical instruction aimed at improving ferry safety competence.
Emmanuel also appreciated the Managing Director of PASS, Mrs. Folake Soyannwo, for providing access to the organisation’s training facility for the practical exercises.
He commended Interferry for sponsoring the programme and acknowledged Mrs. Shari Corrigan, Director, Conferences and Finance, Interferry, and Executive Sponsor of FerrySafe, for her commitment to strengthening ferry safety and mentoring emerging professionals across Africa.
With the completion of Module Three, the programme will proceed to Module Four: Introduction to Engine Systems, scheduled to run throughout August 2026.
LASWA said the programme was designed to develop competent, safety-conscious and technically proficient ferry personnel capable of contributing to safer and more efficient inland waterway transportation in Lagos, Nigeria and across Africa.
The initiative forms part of broader efforts to improve professionalism, operational safety and sustainability within the inland waterways sector.
