Dr. Paul Adalikwu, Secretary General of the Maritime Organisation of West and Central Africa (MOWCA), has emphasized the importance of safe inland waterways ferry services in growing the blue economy potential of African countries.
Speaking at the recent Regional Workshop on Safety of Inland Waterways and Passenger Ferries in Libreville, Republic of Congo, Adalikwu highlighted the need for governments to prioritize safety standards in ferry operations to prevent accidents and deaths.
Adalikwu identified unserviceable crafts, overloading, non-usage of life jackets, weather conditions, and wrecks along navigable channels as major causes of marine accidents.
He urged governments to invest in training and retraining crew members, onshore and offshore staff on safety, and to recycle wrecks for economic benefits after removal to conserve the marine ecosystem.
The MOWCA SG noted that marine-related accidents and deaths have been recurrent, but expressed optimism that safety standards can be attained, similar to the aviation sector.
He called on governments to pay attention to marine safety, especially on smaller crafts powered by outboard engines, and to ensure enforcement of safety measures.
The workshop, held from July 15 to July 18, 2024, drew participants from nine countries, with resource persons from the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the International Maritime Rescue Federation (IMRF).
The event aimed to equip participants with practical knowledge and skills to improve safety on inland waterways and passenger ferries in the sub-region.
A communique issued at the end of the workshop urged MOWCA, World Maritime University, and IMO to consider creating opportunities for capacity training programs, enforcing safety culture, and encouraging the use of successful funding models.
The workshop also resolved to ensure compliance with maintenance plans, adopt code of good practice for ship inspectors, establish a digital system for incident reporting, develop contingency plans, strengthen monitoring mechanisms, raise awareness on implementing regulations, and adopt the Libreville Action Plan for enhancing operational safety of domestic ferries.
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