LASWA, Interferry train 50 in ferry design

The Lagos State Waterways Authority, in partnership with Interferry, has successfully launched the practical phase of the Ferry Safety Development Programme, beginning with its first in-person training session held at the Caverton Marine Ferry Building Facility in Badore, Ajah, Lagos.

In a statement on Tuesday obtained by The PidomNigeria, LASWA explained that the 18-month initiative aims to strengthen technical competence, “promote operational excellence, and foster a robust safety culture across the ferry and inland waterways sector.”

According to the statement, the session, led by the Programme Coordinator, Ukeme Sunday, “brought together 50 participants for an immersive learning experience focused on ferry design and construction, vessel safety standards, maintenance practices, and operational best practices within the maritime industry.”

“LASWA expressed its appreciation to Interferry for sponsoring the programme, Caverton Marine for hosting and facilitating the inaugural practical session, and the Lagos State Government for its continued commitment to maritime safety, capacity development, and the advancement of the blue economy.

As Africa’s first Ferry Safety Development Programme, the 18-month initiative aims to strengthen technical competence, promote operational excellence, and foster a robust safety culture across the ferry and inland waterways sector,” the statement read in part.

The statement explained that a key highlight of the programme was a hands-on technical session facilitated by Caverton Marine’s General Manager, Mr Mohammed Ibrahim, who shared over four decades of experience in ferry design and construction.

Drawing from his extensive industry expertise, Ibrahim provided participants with valuable insights into vessel construction standards, maintenance requirements, and critical safety considerations for ferry operations.

Speaking on the importance of the initiative, the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Blue Economy, Mr Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, emphasised that the practical component was designed to complement the programme’s virtual mentoring and self-paced learning modules.

Emmanuel noted that exposing participants to real-world operational environments and industry best practices is essential to building the “skills and competencies required for a safer and more efficient waterways sector”.