Boat drivers and skippers yesterday commended the federal government and the National Inland Waterways Authority, NIWA, for safety measures introduced to curb boat mishaps and save lives on waterways.
They gave the commendation at the close of a three-day training programme held at the NIWA Dockyard in Lokoja, Kogi State.
The training with the theme: ‘Training of Boat Drivers and Skippers on Boat Navigation and Safety,’ drew 450 participants from Benue, Nasarawa, Niger and Kogi States, as well as the Federal Capital Territory, FCT.
Speaking on behalf of the operators, Chairman of the Maritime Union, Lokoja Sector, Mr Abdullahi Bala-Yusuf thanked the federal government for prioritising safety on inland waterways.
Bala-Yusuf specifically thanked President Bola Tinubu, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Gboyega Oyetola, and the immediate past Managing Director of NIWA, Mr Bola Oyebamiji, for initiatives aimed at reducing accidents.
He described the introduction of new regulations, distribution of life jackets and regular training programmes as timely and commendable.
“We assure the authorities that we will apply the knowledge gained from this three-day training to improve our operations and minimise boat mishaps on the waterways,” he said.
Bala-Yusuf lamented the loss of lives from past boat accidents and urged government to place more emphasis on experience rather than paper qualifications when engaging boat riders and skippers.
He stressed the need to engage operators from riverine communities who are familiar with water navigation from childhood.
In his remarks, Mr Audam Joseph, the training consultant, said the programme was organised to enhance safety on the nation’s waterways.
According to him, continuous training and retraining of boat operators, especially riders and skippers, is essential to prevent avoidable accidents.
“This training is part of government’s effort to mitigate accidents on inland waterways. Water shows no mercy for negligence of any kind,” Joseph said.
He added that operators must be trained on the effects of weather, dangers of overloading and the importance of strict adherence to rules and regulations.
Also speaking, the Area Manager, NIWA, Lokoja Dockyard, Engr Komolafe Olabode said over 90 percent of waterway accidents in the country are caused by human error.
Olabode explained that safety on waterways go beyond wearing life jackets to include preventing overloading, ensuring vessel fitness, understanding load marks and the ability to read water currents accurately.
The training programme ended with the presentation of certificates to participants by NIWA management. (NAN
