By Sandra Chukwunyere
The training equipped participating maritime professionals with practical skills in vessel assessment, safety compliance and deficiency reporting ahead of the November Watchkeeping module.https://newspoint247online.com.ng/oluwadamilola-emmanuel-champions-womens-leadership-inclusion-at-inaugural-blue-lagos-dialogue/
The Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), in collaboration with Interferry, has successfully completed Module 6 of the Africa Ferry Safety Development and Mentoring Programme, strengthening professional expertise in marine surveying, vessel inspection and safety compliance across Africa’s ferry transportation sector.
The module, which focused on Survey and Inspection, ran throughout October 2026 and equipped participating mentees with practical and technical knowledge of marine surveying and inspection procedures required to assess the safety, structural condition and operational compliance of commercial passenger ferries.
According to a statement signed by the Corporate Communications Department of LASWA, the training combined self-paced theoretical sessions facilitated by class surveyors from the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) and Lloyd’s Register with interactive virtual mentorship and supervised practical field exercises.
As part of the programme, participants held a virtual Ask the Expert session on October 21, 2026, which provided an opportunity to engage experienced maritime professionals, including Joep Bollerman, Francesco Ruisi and Darren Johnston of Interferry.
The session offered participants valuable insights into international ferry safety standards and professional surveying practices.
The virtual engagement was followed by a practical field exercise on October 28, during which mentees participated in live Condition and Safety Compliance Audits at operational passenger ferry terminals.
Sandra (Okoli) Ubong of ABS and Engr. Frank Fayinto of Lloyd’s Register supervised the exercise, providing participants with hands-on experience in applying international classification standards and inspection procedures in real operational environments.
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.
Participants also gained practical experience in identifying safety deficiencies relating to hull integrity, life-saving appliances, fire protection systems and machinery installations.
Other critical areas covered included evidence-based reporting using the 5W+1H principle, systematic documentation of inspection findings, deficiency logging and risk prioritisation.
Through the 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 recognised the contributions of Interferry mentors, Joep Bollerman, Francesco Ruisi and Darren Johnston, as well as field facilitators Sandra (Okoli) Ubong and Engr. Frank Fayinto, for their roles in delivering the module.
The authority also acknowledged Interferry Chief Executive Officer, Mike Corrigan, and Executive Sponsor of Ferrysafe, Shari Corrigan, for their contributions to the successful delivery of the training.
The successful completion of Module 6 underscores the continued commitment of LASWA, 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 programme continues to receive the leadership and institutional support of LASWA and the Lagos State Government, alongside strategic support from the Special Adviser to the Governor on Blue Economy, Mr. Oluwadamilola Emmanuel.
With Module 6 successfully completed, the programme will 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 the international collaboration, LASWA reaffirmed 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.
