LASWA Commences Practical Training For Ferry Safety Professionals
The Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) has launched the practical phase of its Ferry Safety Development Programme (FSDP), aimed at enhancing the technical capacity of maritime safety professionals and improving ferry operations across Lagos waterways.
The inaugural hands-on training session was held at the Caverton Marine Ferry Building Facility in Badore, Ajah, marking a transition from the programme’s virtual mentoring and self-paced learning modules to practical industry-based training.
Organised in partnership with Interferry, the training brought together 50 participants who received instruction on ferry design and construction, vessel safety standards, maintenance procedures, and operational best practices within the maritime industry.
According to LASWA, the practical component is designed to expose participants to real-life operating environments and equip them with the technical skills needed to support the continued growth of water transportation in Lagos State.
A key feature of the training was a technical presentation by Caverton Marine General Manager, Mohammed Ibrahim, who shared insights from over 40 years of experience in ferry design and construction. Ibrahim guided participants through critical aspects of vessel construction standards, maintenance requirements, and safety measures necessary for efficient ferry operations.
Speaking on the importance of the initiative, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Blue Economy, Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, said the practical training was introduced to complement the programme’s virtual learning component and provide participants with valuable industry experience.
He noted that the expansion of water transportation in Lagos has increased the demand for skilled professionals capable of maintaining high safety and operational standards across the sector.
The Ferry Safety Development Programme forms part of the Lagos State Government’s broader efforts to promote water transportation as a viable alternative to road travel and strengthen the state’s blue economy agenda.
