FerrySafe Completes Safety Module, Begins Survey and Inspection Training

By Stella Okocha 

The FerrySafe Programme has successfully completed its fifth training module on Safety Management Systems (SMS), further advancing efforts to strengthen safety standards, professional capacity and operational excellence across Nigeria’s inland waterways and the wider West African maritime sector.

The September 2026 module combined international expertise with practical, field-based training, equipping participants with deeper knowledge of modern safety management systems and their application to ferry operations.

A key highlight was the programme’s “Ask the Expert” session held on September 23, featuring Mike Corrigan, Chief Executive Officer of Interferry, who shared insights into global ferry safety governance, risk management and operational leadership.

Corrigan’s engagement provided participants with a valuable opportunity to learn directly from an internationally recognised figure in the global ferry industry, while gaining a broader understanding of emerging approaches to maritime safety and operational management.

The module concluded on September 30 with a practical onboard training exercise facilitated by Effiong Abasiubong and Samuel Nwosu of Coastal Maritime Academy Lagos.

During the exercise, participants conducted live safety management drills aboard two 60-seater passenger ferries, MF EJIRIN and MF ITESIWAJU. The practical session exposed the mentees to real-world safety procedures, emergency preparedness measures and operational protocols required for safe passenger ferry operations.

The FerrySafe Programme expressed its appreciation to Hon. Dr. Ladi Balogun, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of LAGFERRY, for providing the vessels used for the practical training.

According to the programme, the availability of the ferries significantly enhanced the practical learning experience by allowing participants to apply classroom knowledge in an operational environment.

Special recognition was also given to Mrs. Shari Corrigan, Director of Conference and Finance at Interferry and Executive Sponsor of FerrySafe, for her continued support of the programme and commitment to advancing ferry safety initiatives.

The programme further acknowledged the contribution of Mr. Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, Special Adviser on Blue Economy to the Governor of Lagos State, whose support for blue economy development has continued to create opportunities for capacity building and safety improvement within the state’s maritime sector.

FerrySafe also commended the Coastal Maritime Academy Lagos, LAGFERRY vessel crews, Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), and the Lagos State Government for their collective support toward strengthening safety practices on the state’s inland waterways.

The FerrySafe Team Lagos, Nigeria, was equally recognised for its professionalism and dedication in coordinating the successful delivery of the module.

Programme coordinators said the completion of Module 5 reinforces FerrySafe’s commitment to raising safety standards through continuous professional development, international collaboration and practical, hands-on training.

With Module 5 now successfully completed, FerrySafe is moving into Module 6: Survey and Inspection, which will run throughout October 2026.

The next phase will feature expert mentorship from internationally recognised surveyors affiliated with the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS).

The training is expected to strengthen participants’ understanding of vessel surveys, inspection procedures, regulatory compliance and maritime safety assurance.

As the programme enters its next phase, FerrySafe says it remains committed to building a stroncpger culture of safety, professionalism and operational excellence across Nigeria’s inland waterways and Africa’s broader inland water transport sector.