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The Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), in collaboration with Interferry, has trained 50 maritime professionals in the survey and inspection of commercial passenger ferries, in a move aimed at protecting the lives of commuters and the health of Africa’s inland waterways.
The training formed Module 6 of the Africa Ferry Safety Development and Mentoring Programme. It ran throughout October 2026 and was disclosed in a statement issued by LASWA’s Corporate Communications Department on Tuesday.
According to the statement, the 50 participants were equipped with technical knowledge of marine surveying and inspection procedures, enabling them to assess the safety, structural condition and operational compliance of ferries that carry passengers daily.
The module combined self-paced theoretical sessions facilitated by class surveyors from the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) and Lloyd’s Register, interactive virtual mentorship and supervised field exercises.
On October 21, 2026, participants took part in a virtual Ask the Expert session with Interferry’s Joep Bollerman, Francesco Ruisi and Darren Johnston, who shared insights on international ferry safety standards and professional surveying practices.
A week later, on October 28, the mentees moved from theory to practice, taking part in live Condition and Safety Compliance Audits at operational passenger ferry terminals. The exercise was supervised by Sandra (Okoli) Ubong of ABS and Engr. Frank Fayinto of Lloyd’s Register, giving participants hands-on experience in applying international classification standards in real operating environments.
The practical sessions followed a structured eight-step survey methodology covering the entire inspection process, from preparation and onboard assessment to documentation and field reporting. Participants also learnt to identify safety deficiencies in hull integrity, life-saving appliances, fire protection systems and machinery installations. Left unchecked, such faults can endanger passengers and crew and pose a risk to the waterways on which the vessels operate.
Other areas covered included evidence-based reporting using the 5W+1H principle, systematic documentation of findings, deficiency logging and risk prioritisation.
The participants were trained to classify deficiencies as immediate, medium-term or low-priority, so that the most urgent hazards receive timely corrective action.
LASWA extended special recognition to the Interferry mentors, the field facilitators, Interferry Chief Executive Officer, Mike Corrigan, and the Executive Sponsor of Ferrysafe, Shari Corrigan, for their contributions to the delivery of the module.
The authority equally acknowledged the continued support of the Lagos State Government and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Blue Economy, Mr. Oluwadamilola Emmanuel.
The programme will progress to Module 7: Watchkeeping, scheduled for November 2026. The next phase will build participants’ competencies in vessel operations, navigational safety and effective watchkeeping practices.
LASWA said the collaboration reaffirms its commitment to advancing professional standards, improving passenger safety and building a more efficient, resilient and sustainable water transportation system in Lagos State and across Africa.
