The Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), in collaboration with Interferry, has successfully concluded Module 6: Survey and Inspection of the Africa Ferry Safety Development and Mentoring Programme, marking another significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to enhance maritime safety, strengthen professional expertise and promote international best practices within Africa’s ferry transportation sector.
Conducted throughout October 2026, the module provided participating mentees with practical and technical knowledge of marine surveying and inspection procedures, equipping them with the competencies required to assess the safety, structural condition and operational compliance of commercial passenger ferries.
The training featured a combination of self-paced theoretical sessions facilitated by class surveyors from the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) and Lloyd’s Register, interactive virtual mentorship and supervised practical field exercises.
As part of the programme, a virtual Ask the Expert session was held on October 21, 2026, providing participants with an opportunity to interact with experienced maritime professionals, including Joep Bollerman, Francesco Ruisi and Darren Johnston of Interferry. The session offered valuable insights into international ferry safety standards and professional surveying practices.
This was followed by a practical field exercise on October 28, 2026, during which mentees participated 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, providing participants with hands-on experience in applying international classification standards and inspection procedures within real operational environments.
The practical sessions focused on a structured eight-step survey methodology, covering the entire inspection process, from preparation and onboard assessment to documentation and field reporting. Participants also gained practical experience in identifying safety deficiencies relating to hull integrity, life-saving appliances, fire protection systems and machinery installations.
Other critical areas covered included evidence-based reporting using the 5W+1H principle, systematic documentation of inspection findings, deficiency logging and risk prioritisation.
Through these exercises, participants developed the capacity to classify identified deficiencies according to their urgency, distinguishing between immediate, medium-term and low-priority interventions to support timely corrective actions and safer ferry operations.
The successful completion of Module 6 underscores the continued commitment of LASWA, the Lagos State Government and its international partners to strengthen institutional capacity, developing technical expertise and promoting a sustainable safety culture across Africa’s inland waterways.
Special recognition is extended to the Interferry mentors, Joep Bollerman, Francesco Ruisi and Darren Johnston; field facilitators, Sandra (Okoli) Ubong and Engr. Frank Fayinto; as well as Interferry Chief Executive Officer, Mike Corrigan, and Executive Sponsor of Ferrysafe, Shari Corrigan, for their invaluable contributions to the successful delivery of the module.
The programme continues to receive the leadership and institutional support of the Lagos State Waterways Authority and the Lagos State Government, alongside the strategic support of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Blue Economy, Mr. Oluwadamilola Emmanuel.
With Module 6 successfully completed, the programme will progress to Module 7: Watchkeeping, scheduled for November 2026. The next phase will further equip participating maritime professionals with essential competencies in vessel operations, navigational safety and effective watchkeeping practices.
Through this strategic international collaboration, LASWA reaffirms its commitment to advancing professional standards, improving passenger safety and building a more efficient, resilient and sustainable water transportation system in Lagos State and across Africa.
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