Africa’s pioneering Ferry Safety Development and Mentoring Programme has recorded another major milestone with the successful completion of its third training module, as the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) intensifies efforts to build a highly skilled workforce for safer inland water transportation across the continent.
The programme, delivered by LASWA in partnership with Interferry, trained 50 emerging ferry professionals in ferry safety, emergency preparedness and incident response, equipping them with the knowledge and practical skills required to enhance safety standards within Africa’s growing ferry industry.
Conducted throughout July 2026, Module Three combined self-paced virtual learning with intensive practical exercises designed to expose participants to both international best practices and real-life emergency response procedures.
The virtual sessions were facilitated by Dr. Bolaji Dunsin and Dr. Ayaobu-Cookey of the Nigerian Institute of Oceanography and Marine Research (NIOMR).
Participants also interacted with Darren Johnston, Vice President, Marine Operations at BC Ferries, during an “Ask the Expert” session that focused on global standards in ferry safety and operations.
The practical component took place on July 29, 2026, at the Prime Atlantic Safety Services Ltd. (PASS) training facility in Ogun State, where participants underwent hands-on instruction in emergency response techniques under the supervision of experienced safety instructors.
The exercises covered critical procedures, including abandon ship operations, alarm recognition, mustering, headcount, use of personal protective equipment, deployment of survival craft, man overboard response, vessel manoeuvring, rescue deployment and first aid.
The Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Blue Economy and General Manager of LASWA, Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, praised the PASS training team, led by Senior Training Instructor Gbenga Kuku, for delivering world-class practical instruction that has further strengthened ferry safety capacity in Nigeria.
He also commended the Managing Director of PASS, Folake Soyannwo, for providing access to the company’s state-of-the-art training facility, which made the practical phase of the programme possible.
Emmanuel further acknowledged Interferry for sponsoring the initiative and expressed appreciation to the organisation’s Director of Conferences and Finance, Shari Corrigan, who also serves as Executive Sponsor of FerrySafe, for her commitment to advancing ferry safety and mentoring the next generation of ferry professionals across Africa.
With Module Three now concluded, the programme will proceed to Module Four: Introduction to Engine Systems, scheduled to run throughout August 2026, as participants continue their journey towards becoming technically proficient ferry professionals.
By combining international expertise with practical, hands-on training, the Ferry Safety Development and Mentoring Programme is setting a new direction for professional development in Africa’s inland waterways sector, supporting LASWA’s broader vision of safer, more efficient and sustainable ferry operations across Lagos and the continent.