The Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), in partnership with Interferry, has successfully completed Module 6 of the Africa Ferry Safety Development and Mentoring Programme, strengthening professional expertise and promoting international safety standards in Africa’s ferry transportation sector.
The module, which focused on Survey and Inspection, was conducted throughout October 2026 and equipped participating maritime professionals with practical and technical skills in marine surveying, vessel inspection, safety assessment and operational compliance.
The training featured self-paced theoretical sessions facilitated by class surveyors from the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) and Lloyd’s Register, alongside virtual mentorship and supervised practical field exercises.
As part of the programme, participants engaged in a virtual Ask the Expert session on October 21, featuring experienced maritime professionals Joep Bollerman, Francesco Ruisi and Darren Johnston of Interferry. The session provided insights into international ferry safety standards and professional surveying practices.
This was followed by a practical field exercise on October 28, during which participants took 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 mentees firsthand experience in applying international classification standards and inspection procedures in real operational environments.
The practical training covered an eight-step survey methodology, taking participants through inspection preparation, onboard assessments, documentation and field reporting.
Participants also received training in identifying safety deficiencies involving hull integrity, life-saving appliances, fire protection systems and machinery installations.
Other key areas included evidence-based reporting using the 5W+1H principle, systematic documentation of inspection findings, deficiency logging and risk prioritisation.
The programme further equipped participants with the skills to classify identified deficiencies according to their urgency, distinguishing between immediate, medium-term and low-priority interventions to support effective corrective action and safer ferry operations.
LASWA said the successful completion of Module 6 underscored its commitment, alongside the Lagos State Government and international partners, to strengthening institutional capacity, developing technical expertise and promoting a sustainable safety culture across Africa’s inland waterways.
The authority acknowledged the contributions of Interferry mentors, Joep Bollerman, Francesco Ruisi and Darren Johnston; field facilitators Sandra (Okoli) Ubong and Engr. Frank Fayinto; Interferry Chief Executive Officer, Mike Corrigan; and Executive Sponsor of Ferrysafe, Shari Corrigan.
The programme also enjoys the institutional support of LASWA and the Lagos State Government, alongside the strategic backing of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Blue Economy, Mr Oluwadamilola Emmanuel.
With Module 6 concluded, the programme will proceed to Module 7, focusing on Watchkeeping, scheduled for November 2026. The next phase will strengthen participants’ competencies in vessel operations, navigational safety and effective watchkeeping practices.
Through the international partnership, LASWA reaffirmed its commitment to improving passenger safety, raising professional standards and building a more efficient, resilient and sustainable water transportation system in Lagos State and across Africa.
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