LASWA Trains 50 Ferry Professionals in Safety, Emergency Response
The Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) has completed another phase of its landmark ferry training programme, equipping 50 maritime professionals with enhanced skills in safety management, emergency preparedness and incident response.
The latest milestone is the completion of Module Three – Ferry Safety under the Ferry Safety Development and Mentoring Programme, organised by LASWA in partnership with Interferry.
The 18-month initiative, described as Africa’s first structured ferry safety development and mentoring programme, is designed to strengthen professional standards and build a new generation of skilled ferry operators across the continent.
The 50 participants include captains, deckhands, marine engineers, safety officers, compliance personnel and fleet managers drawn from different areas of ferry operations.
Throughout July, participants underwent a combination of online learning, expert mentoring and practical exercises focused on emergency response, risk management and ferry safety procedures.
Academic sessions were led by Dr Bolaji Dunsin and Dr Ayaobu-Cookey of the Nigerian Institute of Oceanography and Marine Research, while Darren Johnston, Vice President of Marine Operations at BC Ferries, provided international insights during an interactive “Ask the Expert” session.
The practical aspect of the training was held on July 29, 2026, at the Prime Atlantic Safety Services Limited facility in Ogun State, where participants put emergency-response techniques and safety procedures into practice.
The latest module builds on earlier phases of the programme. Participants previously underwent seamanship training covering areas such as rope handling, mooring, anchoring, knot tying and deck maintenance at the Sea School in Apapa.
LASWA and Interferry launched the programme in May 2026 to address skills gaps within the ferry industry and promote stronger technical competence, operational discipline and safety awareness.
Beyond emergency response, the wider curriculum covers vessel maintenance, maritime regulations, safety management systems, passenger operations, weather conditions and leadership, giving participants a broad foundation for modern ferry operations.
The training comes as Lagos continues to expand water transportation as part of its broader blue economy strategy, increasing the need for professionally trained personnel and stronger safety systems across the waterways.
With three modules completed, the programme will continue with further mentoring and practical sessions as participants progress towards completion of the 18-month training.
LASWA said the long-term objective is to develop a highly competent pool of ferry professionals capable of applying international safety standards to local operations and contributing to safer, more efficient waterways in Lagos and across Africa.
