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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, further advancing efforts to strengthen safety standards and build a skilled workforce for the continent’s inland waterways sector.
The completed module, focused on Ferry Safety, equipped 50 emerging ferry professionals with practical and technical competencies in emergency preparedness, incident response and safe ferry operations.
Delivered throughout July 2026, the programme combined self-paced virtual learning with intensive practical exercises. 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 led by Darren Johnston, Vice President, Marine Operations at BC Ferries, who shared international best practices in ferry safety and operations.
The practical training, held on July 29 at Prime Atlantic Safety Services Ltd. (PASS) in Ogun State, exposed participants to real-life emergency response scenarios under the supervision of experienced instructors. Trainees underwent drills on abandon ship procedures, including emergency alarms, mustering, headcounts, personal protective equipment, survival craft deployment and evacuation protocols.
They also received hands-on instruction in man-overboard response, covering immediate emergency actions, bridge coordination, vessel manoeuvring, rescue deployment and first aid.
Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Blue Economy and General Manager of LASWA, Mr. Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, praised the PASS training team, led by Senior Training Instructor Mr. Gbenga Kuku, for delivering high-quality practical instruction that aligns with global safety standards.
He also commended PASS Managing Director, Mrs. Folake Soyannwo, for providing access to the company’s world-class training facility, describing the support as instrumental to the programme’s success.
Emmanuel further applauded Interferry for sponsoring the pioneering initiative and acknowledged the contributions of Mrs. Shari Corrigan, Director of Conferences and Finance at Interferry and Executive Sponsor of FerrySafe, for championing ferry safety and mentoring future industry professionals across Africa.
With the successful completion of Module Three, the programme will proceed to Module Four: Introduction to Engine Systems, scheduled to run throughout August 2026.
LASWA said the Ferry Safety Development and Mentoring Programme is setting a new benchmark for capacity development by producing competent, safety-conscious and technically proficient ferry professionals who will support safer, more efficient and sustainable inland waterway transportation in Lagos, Nigeria and across Africa.
