LASWA, Interferry conclude mentorship programme for boat operators

The General Manager of LASWA and Special Adviser to the Governor of Lagos State on Blue Economy, Mr Oluwadamilola Emmanuel.

The Lagos State Waterways Authority, in collaboration with Interferry, has successfully concluded Module 6: Survey and Inspection of the Africa Ferry Safety Development and Mentoring Programme.

LASWA, in a statement on Tuesday, said the completion of the programme marked another significant milestone in ongoing efforts to enhance maritime safety, strengthen professional expertise and promote international best practices within Africa’s ferry transportation sector.

“Conducted throughout October 2026, the module provided participating mentees with practical and technical knowledge of marine surveying and inspection procedures, equipping them with the competencies required to assess the safety, structural condition and operational compliance of commercial passenger ferries,” the statement read in part.

The statement further explained that the training featured a combination of self-paced theoretical sessions facilitated by class surveyors from the American Bureau of Shipping and Lloyd’s Register, interactive virtual mentorship and supervised practical field exercises.

As part of the programme, a virtual Ask the Expert session was held, providing participants with an opportunity to interact with experienced maritime professionals, including Joep Bollerman, Francesco Ruisi and Darren Johnston of Interferry.

“The session offered valuable insights into international ferry safety standards and professional surveying practices. This was followed by a practical field exercise during which mentees participated in live condition and safety compliance audits at operational passenger ferry terminals,” it stressed.

LASWA maintained that the exercise was supervised by Sandra Ubong of ABS and Engr. Frank Fayinto of Lloyd’s Register, providing participants with hands-on experience in applying international classification standards and inspection procedures within real operational environments.

LASWA highlighted that the practical sessions focused on a structured eight-step survey methodology, covering the entire inspection process, from preparation and onboard assessment to documentation and field reporting.

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The agency said that participants also gained practical experience in identifying safety deficiencies relating to hull integrity, life-saving appliances, fire protection systems and machinery installations.

LASWA stressed that other critical areas covered included evidence-based reporting using the 5W+1H principle, systematic documentation of inspection findings, deficiency logging and risk prioritisation.

“Through these exercises, participants developed the capacity to classify identified deficiencies according to their urgency, distinguishing between immediate, medium-term and low-priority interventions to support timely corrective actions and safer ferry operations,” LASWA stated.

LASWA mentioned that the successful completion of Module 6 underscored the continued commitment of the agency, the Lagos State Government and its international partners to “strengthening institutional capacity, developing technical expertise and promoting a sustainable safety culture across Africa’s inland waterways.”

The body emphasised that the programme continued to receive the leadership and institutional support of the Lagos State Waterways Authority and the Lagos State Government, alongside the strategic support of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Blue Economy, Mr Oluwadamilola Emmanuel.

It argued that, with Module 6 successfully completed, the programme would progress to Module 7: Watchkeeping, scheduled for November 2026.

“The next phase will further equip participating maritime professionals with essential competencies in vessel operations, navigational safety and effective watchkeeping practices. Through this strategic international collaboration, LASWA 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,” LASWA concluded.