NIWA, Maritime Academy Train Boat Operators On Water Safety
The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), in partnership with Lufredha Maritime Academy, has begun a three-day intensive waterways safety training for about 100 boat operators from Maton Engineering Nigeria Limited.
The programme, held in Warri, Delta State, is part of efforts to improve professionalism in inland water transportation and reduce the growing rate of accidents on Nigeria’s waterways.
Managing Director of Lufredha Maritime Academy, Onajite Rosemary Tonlagha, said the training aligns with NIWA’s safety standards for private and commercial boat operators and is aimed at equipping participants with navigation skills, safety procedures, regulatory compliance knowledge, and professional licensing requirements.
Tonlagha explained that the academy, which has operated for over seven years, has maintained collaboration with NIWA in training and certifying boat operators in line with national regulations.
She noted that participants would receive practical and theoretical training covering navigation, engine maintenance, first aid, and safety protocols, including sea trials designed to assess operators’ competence.
According to her, many boat operators rely on informal experience rather than structured maritime training, a situation she said contributes to accidents on inland waterways.
“Navigation is not an inherited craft. It requires structured training, adherence to evolving safety standards, and compliance with regulations such as the use of life jackets, possession of valid licences, and restrictions on night operations,” she said.
Tonlagha also identified poor hazard identification, especially the inability to detect submerged wrecks, as a major cause of waterway mishaps.
She expressed appreciation to Maton Engineering Nigeria Limited for supporting the initiative and urged participants to maximise the opportunity to improve their professional skills.
Head of Marine and Technical Department at Maton Engineering Limited, Peter Zipamoh, said the training became necessary due to recurring marine incidents in riverine communities.
He said the programme would expose operators to safe navigation practices in fishing areas, accident prevention, maritime signals, emergency response, and handling adverse weather conditions.
As part of the training, Professor Chidi Nwaoha of the Federal University of Petroleum Resources (FUPRE) delivered a lecture on fire and safety management, explaining the different classes of fire extinguishers and their appropriate use during marine emergencies.
Other resource persons included Comrade Ogbenero Ubu, who spoke on NIWA’s 13 cardinal safety measures, and NIWA National Coordinator of River Marshals, Comrade Bawo Ighomi, who stressed the importance of life jackets and adherence to navigation safety rules.
