Ferry operators get new guidelines in Lagos
Ferry operators
To ensure safety on Lagos waterways, the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) in collaboration with Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) has unveiled new guidelines for the operations of ferry/boats and other waterways users.
The guidelines unfolded at a joint stakeholders’ conference, held in Lagos, was received with mixed reactions, especially, from commercial boat operators, whose arguments were essentially pinned on economic viability of their trade over safety and security of lives.
Tagged “Operational standards for commercial boat operation on Lagos inland waterways”, the guidelines included the following, namely, that all commercial boats must be fitted with two (2) engines and a functional speedometer; Commercial boats must have, minimum internal dimension of 7.3metres long, 2.2 metres wide and o.6 metres distance between seats and minimum capacity of 30 passengers.
Besides, the guidelines stipulated that all commercial boats must have double hull and bottom design and must be fitted with appropriate navigational aids including and echo sounder systems.
