The Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), in collaboration with Interferry, has concluded Module 6 of the Africa Ferry Safety Development and Mentoring Programme.
The module focused on marine surveying and inspection to strengthen safety standards across Africa’s ferry transportation sector.
The Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Blue Economy, Mr Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday.
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Emmanuel said the programme, conducted throughout October 2026, equipped participating mentees with practical and technical knowledge of marine surveying and inspection procedures.
He said the training provided competencies required to assess the safety, structural condition and operational compliance of commercial passenger ferries.
The programme featured theoretical sessions facilitated by class surveyors from the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) and Lloyd’s Register.
It also included interactive virtual mentorship and supervised practical field exercises.
A virtual Ask the Expert session was held on Oct. 21, featuring experienced maritime professionals Joep Bollerman, Francesco Ruisi and Darren Johnston of Interferry.
Emmanuel said the session provided insights into international ferry safety standards and professional surveying practices.
He said the programme continued with practical exercises on Oct. 28, when mentees participated in live Condition and Safety Compliance Audits.
The audits were conducted at operational passenger ferry terminals under the supervision of Sandra Ubong of ABS and Mr Frank Fayinto of Lloyd’s Register.
Emmanuel said the exercise provided hands-on experience in applying international classification standards and inspection procedures within operational environments.
He said the practical sessions covered a structured eight-step survey methodology, from inspection preparation and onboard assessment to documentation and field reporting.
Participants also gained experience identifying safety deficiencies involving hull integrity, life-saving appliances, fire protection systems and machinery installations.
Other areas covered included evidence-based reporting using the 5W+1H principle, systematic documentation, deficiency logging and risk prioritisation.
Emmanuel said participants learnt to classify identified deficiencies according to urgency, distinguishing between immediate, medium-term and low-priority interventions.
He said the skills acquired would support timely corrective actions and safer ferry operations.
Emmanuel said the successful completion of Module 6 underscored the commitment of LASWA, the Lagos State Government and international partners.
He said the commitment focused on strengthening institutional capacity, developing technical expertise and promoting a sustainable safety culture across Africa’s inland waterways.
He added that the programme would proceed to Module 7, focusing on Watchkeeping, in November 2026.
The next phase would equip participating maritime professionals with essential competencies in vessel operations, navigational safety and effective watchkeeping practices.
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