MOWCA mulls Importance of Safe Inland Ferry Services in Growing Blue Economy
Dr. Paul Adalikwu, Secretary General of the Maritime Organisation of West and Central Africa (MOWCA), has highlighted the importance of safe inland waterways ferry services in growing the blue economy potential of African countries.
Adalikwu stated at the recent Regional Workshop on Safety of Inland Waterways and Passenger Ferries in Libreville, Republic of Congo held from July 15 to July 18, 2024 that there is the need for governments to prioritize safety standards in ferry operations to prevent accidents and deaths.
MOWCA Secretary General listed unserviceable crafts, overloading, non-usage of life jackets, weather conditions, and wrecks along navigable channels as major causes of marine accidents.
He called on 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.
According to him, marine-related accidents and deaths have been recurrent, but expressed optimism that safety standards can be attained, similar to the aviation sector and 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 which drew participants from nine countries, with resource persons from the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the International Maritime Rescue Federation (IMRF) aimed to equip participants with practical knowledge and skills to improve safety on inland waterways and passenger ferries in the sub-region.
A communique that was 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 further 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.
