The Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) has completed Module Four of its Ferry Safety Development and Mentoring Programme, exposing participants to the fundamentals of marine engine systems through a combination of technical learning, expert mentoring and practical onboard training.
The module, which ran throughout August 2026, was designed to strengthen the mentees’ technical understanding of engine systems and other critical marine engineering components that support safe and efficient ferry operations.
The first two weeks featured self-paced learning facilitated by Engr. Jeremiah Akwemioh, a Nigerian Navy veteran with extensive experience in marine engineering and engine systems.
This was followed in the third week by an “Ask the Expert” virtual session with Interferry mentors Joep Bollerman, Vice President of Passenger Ships and Director of the Cruise Ship Centre of Expertise at Lloyd’s Register, and Francesco Ruisi, Global Passenger Ship Segment Director at Lloyd’s Register.
The programme culminated in the fourth week with a practical onboard session aboard MV ONONEZE, an American Bureau of Shipping (ABS)-classed vessel owned by Fymak Marine & Oil Services Nig. Ltd.
The vessel, which has four Cummins main engines, four propellers and a bow thruster, has a combined output of 5,368kW (7,200 BHP), providing the mentees with an opportunity to observe the practical application of the technical knowledge gained during the module.
During the onboard session, participants were taken through the operation of the main engines and key auxiliary systems, including generators, purifiers, sewage treatment plants, air compressors and piping systems.
The hands-on experience enabled the mentees to gain a better understanding of the relationship between marine engineering systems and ferry safety, while providing practical insights into the technical demands of vessel operations.
LASWA expressed appreciation to the management and crew of Fymak Marine for facilitating the onboard training, particularly Captain Aniekan Udo, Chief Officer Abiodun Erewa, Chief Engineer Emmanuel Ezekudo and Engr. Paul Etarijakpere, whose operational experience contributed to the learning experience.
The authority also acknowledged the contributions of Akwemioh, Bollerman and Ruisi for their technical guidance and mentorship throughout the module.
LASWA further appreciated Interferry, Shari Corrigan, Director of Conferences and Finance and Executive Sponsor; FerrySafe; the Lagos State Government; and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Blue Economy, Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, for their continued support of the capacity-building programme.
With Module Four now completed, attention turns to Module Five, Safety Management Systems, scheduled to commence in September 2026.
The module will be led by Mike Corrigan, Chief Executive Officer of Interferry, giving participants the opportunity to learn directly from the head of the global ferry industry body on safety management and operational standards.
The authority said the programme would continue to build technical competence among its mentees while promoting stronger safety standards across Lagos’ waterways.