By Idowu Addison
The Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) has strengthened efforts to build a new generation of safety-conscious ferry professionals with the successful completion of the third module of Africa’s first Ferry Safety Development and Mentoring Programme.
The Module Three: Ferry Safety programme, implemented in partnership with Interferry, provided 50 emerging professionals with specialised training in ferry safety, emergency preparedness and incident response, equipping them with practical knowledge needed to improve safety across the continent’s growing inland waterway transport sector.
Conducted throughout July 2026, the training adopted a blended learning approach, combining self-paced virtual courses with intensive practical sessions designed to deepen participants’ understanding of ferry safety operations and emergency management.
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 engaged in an interactive “Ask the Expert” session with Mr. Darren Johnston, Vice President, Marine Operations, BC Ferries.
Johnston shared international experiences and best practices in ferry safety and operations, giving participants practical insights into global approaches that could be adapted to strengthen safety standards within Africa’s ferry industry.
The completion of the module further underscores LASWA’s commitment to professional development, operational safety and the creation of a highly skilled workforce capable of supporting the sustainable growth of inland water transportation.
The practical component, conducted late month 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.
