Maritime professionals participating in the Africa Ferry Safety Development and Mentoring Programme have received practical training in vessel inspection, safety compliance and risk assessment following the completion of its sixth module by the Lagos State Waterways Authority, LASWA and Interferry.
The training, which focused on survey and inspection, was conducted throughout October 2026 to strengthen participants’ technical capacity to assess the safety, structural condition and operational compliance of commercial passenger ferries.
The programme featured self-paced theoretical sessions facilitated by class surveyors from the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) and Lloyd’s Register, virtual mentorship and supervised practical exercises.
As part of the training, participants held a virtual Ask the Expert session on October 21, 2026, with experienced maritime professionals, including Joep Bollerman, Francesco Ruisi and Darren Johnston of Interferry.
The session provided opportunities for participants to gain insights into international ferry safety standards and professional surveying practices.
This was followed by a practical exercise on October 28, during which participants took part in live Condition and Safety Compliance Audits at operational passenger ferry terminals.
The exercise was supervised by Sandra (Okoli) Ubong of ABS and Engr. Frank Fayinto of Lloyd’s Register, who guided participants through the application of international classification standards and inspection procedures in operational environments.
The practical training covered an eight-step survey methodology, taking participants through inspection preparation, onboard assessment, documentation and field reporting.
Participants also received training in identifying safety deficiencies involving hull integrity, life-saving appliances, fire protection systems and machinery installations.
Other areas covered included evidence-based reporting using the 5W+1H principle, systematic documentation of inspection findings, deficiency logging and risk prioritisation.
The training also equipped participants to classify identified deficiencies according to their urgency, distinguishing between immediate, medium-term and low-priority interventions to support timely corrective action and safer ferry operations.
LASWA and Interferry said the completion of the module reflected their continued efforts to strengthen technical expertise and promote international safety standards across Africa’s ferry transportation sector.
The programme received institutional support from the Lagos State Government and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Blue Economy, Oluwadamilola Emmanuel.
Recognition was also given to Interferry Chief Executive Officer, Mike Corrigan, and Executive Sponsor of Ferrysafe, Shari Corrigan, alongside the mentors and field facilitators who contributed to the delivery of the training.
The programme will proceed to Module 7, focusing on watchkeeping, scheduled for November 2026. The next phase will address vessel operations, navigational safety and effective watchkeeping practices.
The initiative is part of ongoing efforts to improve professional standards, passenger safety and the sustainability of water transportation in Lagos State and across Africa.