LASWA Ferry Safety Programme Deepens Technical Training with Engine Systems Module
Kathy Kyari
The Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA)-supported Ferry Safety Development and Mentoring Programme has deepened the technical capacity of its mentees with the successful completion of Module Four, focused on the fundamentals of marine engine systems.
The module, delivered in August 2026, combined self-paced learning, expert mentoring and practical onboard training to expose participants to key aspects of marine engineering and ferry operations.
The programme’s technical sessions were facilitated by Engr. Jeremiah Akwemioh, a Nigerian Navy veteran with extensive experience in marine engineering and engine systems.
The first two weeks of the module were dedicated to self-paced learning, while the third week featured an “Ask the Expert” virtual session with Interferry mentors, 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 practical component of the training took place aboard MV ONONEZE, an American Bureau of Shipping (ABS)-classed vessel owned by Fymak Marine & Oil Services Nig. Ltd. With four Cummins main engines, four propellers and a bow thruster, the vessel has a combined propulsion output of 5,368kW, equivalent to 7,200 brake horsepower.
The hands-on session enabled the mentees to observe the operation of the vessel’s main engines and auxiliary systems, including generators, purifiers, sewage treatment plants, air compressors and piping systems.
The programme said the practical exposure was designed to complement classroom and virtual instruction by giving mentees direct experience of the engineering systems that support safe and efficient ferry operations.
It also acknowledged the contribution of Fymak Marine management and the vessel’s crew, including Captain Aniekan Udo, Chief Officer Abiodun Erewa, Chief Engineer Emmanuel Ezekudo and Engr. Paul Etarijakpere, for providing operational insights during the onboard session.
The organisers also commended Akwemioh, Bollerman and Ruisi for their roles in facilitating the module, while expressing appreciation to Interferry, FerrySafe, LASWA, the Lagos State Government and other programme supporters for sustaining the capacity-building initiative.
Attention now shifts to Module Five, Safety Management Systems, scheduled to commence in September 2026.
The next module will be led by Mike Corrigan, Chief Executive Officer of Interferry, providing participants with an opportunity to learn directly from the organisation’s chief executive on safety management and the future of ferry safety.
The programme said the continued training was part of efforts to strengthen technical competence and promote higher safety standards across Africa’s ferry sector.
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