Participants in the FerrySafe Programme have tested their knowledge of passenger ferry safety through practical onboard drills in Lagos, as the initiative prepares to deepen their expertise in vessel inspection and regulatory compliance.
The exercise, which marked the completion of the programme’s fifth training module in September 2026, took place aboard two 60-seater passenger ferries, MF EJIRIN and MF ITESIWAJU.
Facilitated by Effiong Abasiubong and Samuel Nwosu of Coastal Maritime Academy Lagos on September 30, the exercise exposed participants to the practical application of safety management procedures, emergency preparedness and operational protocols in ferry services.
The training formed part of FerrySafe’s broader effort to strengthen professional competence and promote safer inland waterway transportation across Nigeria and West Africa.
The programme’s September activities also featured international engagement, with Mike Corrigan, Chief Executive Officer of Interferry, sharing industry perspectives during an Ask the Expert session on September 23.
Corrigan addressed issues relating to safety governance, risk management and operational leadership, drawing on the experience of the international ferry industry to broaden participants’ understanding of effective safety management.
The programme acknowledged the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of LAGFERRY, Hon. Ladi Balogun,
for providing the vessels used for the practical exercise.
It also recognised the Director of Conference and Finance at Interferry and Executive Sponsor of FerrySafe, Shari Corrigan, for her continued support of the initiative.
Special Adviser on Blue Economy to the Governor of Lagos State, Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, received commendation for his support for capacity development and safety improvement within the state’s blue economy sector.
Coastal Maritime Academy Lagos, LAGFERRY vessel crew members, the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) and the Lagos State Government were also acknowledged for their contributions to the programme.
The FerrySafe Team Lagos, Nigeria, was commended for coordinating the training.
Vessel Inspection Training Begins in October
Having completed its focus on Safety Management Systems, FerrySafe will move to its sixth module, Survey and Inspection, scheduled for October 2026.
The next phase will bring participants into contact with internationally recognised surveyors affiliated with the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS).
The training is expected to expand their knowledge of vessel inspection, compliance and maritime safety assurance, complementing the practical safety skills developed in the previous module.
Through its combination of international mentorship and hands-on learning, FerrySafe aims to strengthen safety awareness and professional standards in the inland waterways sector.