The Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), in partnership with the International Ferry Association, Interferry, has completed Module 6 of the Africa Ferry Safety Development and Mentoring Programme, strengthening technical expertise in commercial passenger vessel inspection across the continent.
The month-long training, held throughout October 2026, focused on maritime surveying and inspection procedures, equipping African maritime professionals with practical skills to assess vessel integrity, operational compliance and onboard safety systems. The theoretical sessions were delivered by classification experts from leading maritime organisations, including the American Bureau of Shipping and Lloyd’s Register.
On 21 October, participants also held a virtual engagement with Interferry experts Joep Bollerman, Francesco Ruisi and Darren Johnston to examine international ferry safety standards. The module culminated in a practical safety audit on 28 October at operational ferry terminals in Lagos, supervised by Sandra (Okoli) Ubong of ABS and Engr.
Frank Fayinto of Lloyd’s Register. During the exercise, participants conducted live vessel condition and safety assessments, applying an eight-step inspection methodology to identify deficiencies involving hull integrity, fire protection, life-saving equipment and machinery installations.