Africa’s Ferry Safety Mentoring Programme Completes Module Four with Hands-On Marine Engineering Training

By Stella Okocha 

The Ferry Safety Development and Mentoring Programme has successfully completed Module Four: Introduction to Engine Systems, strengthening the technical expertise and professional capacity of emerging ferry and maritime safety professionals across Africa.

The August 2026 module combined self-paced technical learning, international expert engagement and practical onboard training, providing mentees with both theoretical knowledge and first-hand exposure to marine engineering operations.

The first two weeks were facilitated by Engr. Jeremiah Akwemioh, a Nigerian Navy veteran with extensive experience in marine engineering and engine systems. His instruction provided mentees with a strong technical foundation ahead of the module’s practical sessions.

In Week Three, participants took part in an “Ask the Expert” virtual session with Joep Bollerman, Vice President of Passenger Ships and Director of the Cruise Ship Center of Expertise at Lloyd’s Register, and Francesco Ruisi, Global Passenger Ship Segment Director at Lloyd’s Register.

The module concluded with a practical onboard session aboard MV ONONEZE, an American Bureau of Shipping (ABS)-classed vessel owned by Fymak Marine & Oil Services Nig. Ltd.

Powered by four Cummins main engines, four propellers and a bow thruster, MV ONONEZE has a combined propulsion output of 5,368 kW (7,200 BHP). During the onboard session, mentees observed engine-room operations and gained practical exposure to critical auxiliary systems, including generators, purifiers, sewage treatment plants, air compressors and vessel piping systems.

The hands-on experience enabled participants to connect classroom concepts with the realities of vessel machinery, operations and engineering safety.

The programme expressed its appreciation to Fymak Marine Management and Vessel Crew for supporting the practical training and sharing their operational expertise. Special recognition goes to Captain Aniekan Udo, Chief Officer Abiodun Erewa, Chief Engineer Emmanuel Ezekudo and Engr. Paul Etarijakpere.

Their practical insights gave mentees a deeper understanding of commercial vessel operations and the responsibilities involved in maintaining safe and efficient marine systems.

The programme also acknowledged the contributions of Jeremiah Akwemioh, Joep Bollerman and Francesco Ruisi, whose technical expertise and mentorship continue to support the professional development of participating mentees.

The Ferry Safety Development and Mentoring Programme continues to receive support from Interferry, FerrySafe, Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), the Lagos State Government, and Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, Special Adviser to the Governor on Blue Economy.

Special appreciation goes to Shari Corrigan, Director of Conferences and Finance at Interferry and Executive Sponsor, for her continued support of the programme and its capacity-building objectives.

The programme will continue in September 2026 with Module Five: Safety Management Systems, led by Mike Corrigan, CEO of Interferry.

The module will provide mentees with a valuable opportunity to engage directly with a global leader in the ferry industry while developing a deeper understanding of safety management systems and their importance to safe, resilient and sustainable ferry operations.

As the programme progresses, each module is building the technical knowledge, leadership capacity and professional networks required to strengthen ferry safety across Africa.

ABOUT THE FERRY SAFETY DEVELOPMENT AND MENTORING PROGRAMME

The Ferry Safety Development and Mentoring Programme is a capacity-building initiative focused on developing the next generation of ferry safety and maritime professionals in Africa through structured learning, industry mentorship, international expertise and practical exposure