NIWA cracks down on human error, trains 450 Drivers for Safer Waterways

The management of Nigerian Inland Waterways Authority ( NIWA) has initiated a move to stem the tides of human errors in boat accidents on the nation’s waterways , as it organised a training programme on safety measures for 450 Boat riders and skippers. The 3-day workshop programme, with the theme: “Training of Boat drivers and […]

The management of Nigerian Inland Waterways Authority ( NIWA) has initiated a move to stem the tides of human errors in boat accidents on the nation’s waterways , as it organised a training programme on safety measures for 450 Boat riders and skippers.

The 3-day workshop programme, with the theme: “Training of Boat drivers and skippers on boat navigation and safety” held between Monday 22th December and Wednesday 24th December.

According to the NIWA management, the 450 participants for the programme were drawn from Benue, Nassarawa, Niger and kogi state, including FCT, Abuja where they were updated on navigation rules and processes, among others.

According to the NIWA’s Area Manager Lokoja Dockyard, Engineer Komolafe Eniola Olabode over 90 percent of accidents on the nation waterways was caused by human errors; as such, the management has to update the operators or boat masters to keep faith with navigation rules to avoid unnecessary boat mishaps on waterways .

He added that the safety on waterways is not all about wearing life jacket alone, but the boat masters has to consider the incident of overloading , poor condition of vessels and knowledge of load marks, including the knowledge to read water wave or current at a given time.

“In ensuring a safety on waterways, boat masters, riders or operators must be trained to know the basic knowledge and behaviour of vessels and the water. Over 90 percent of accident on waterways are avoidable.

” If a boat master is to control ,and fail to take responsibility when it becomes necessary, it will result in a disaster. It’s only by training , such negligence and negative or ignorance behaviour could be tackled to reduce accident on waterways”, he said.

In the same vein , the workshop training consultant, Audam Joseph said to ensure safety on the country’s waterways, the operators , particularly the boat riders and skippers must be trained, and kept updated constantly to prevent avoidable accidents .

He said the issue of safety measure on the waterways must be taken seriously as water shows no mercy for negligence of any kind .

“if we must ensure safety on waterways, we must train all those playing different roles to reduce mishaps. Training prevents funeral and reduces number of mishaps.

“The boat operators/ riders and staff of NIWA should be trained to know the effect of weather , overloading and the essence of keeping to the rules and regulations on the waterways constantly”, said consultant Joseph .

He added that the training has acquainted both the boat operators and staff of NIWA the knowledge to detect symptom of mishaps, when to or avoid navigation; or effect decision that will prevent avoidable accidents on the waterways.

However, the participants commended the Federal Ministry of Maritime and Blue Economy , and management of NIWA for the training which they claimed has updated them to operate effectively to minimize accident on waterways.

The Chairman of the Maritime union , Lokoja sector of the Benue district , Abdullai Bala Yusuf said they will apply the knowledge from the workshop to improve their operation , and to enthrone safer navigation on waterways .

However, he advised the management not to put much premium on paper qualifications in the employment or engagement of boats
riders and skippers on waterways .

“The management should strive to engage people from the riverine areas who were born and grow up with water, not those dropping paper qualifications who may not have what it takes to rise up to unexpected incident on waterways.

“Imagine, employing a boat rider without the knowledge of swimming, he will not be able to rescue himself or his passengers in the event of accident . It’s just like calling for a disaster , employing such people to navigate on the waterways”, he said.

The highlight of the 3-day programme was the presentation of certificates to the participants by the management of NIWA .