Safety: NIWA, LASWA joint Taskforce Team commences comprehensive condition survey of commercial boats
The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) and the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) will today begin a joint comprehensive condition survey of all commercial boats operating on the Lagos waterways.
This is contained in a statement jointly signed by Head of Marine in NIWA, Engr. Stanley Onuoha and Engr. Ukeme Sunday, Head of Inspection Unit, LASWA.
According to the statement, the inspection exercise aimed at ensuring safety in the operations of water transportation, would be conducted in 10 major commercial jetties in Lagos State, kick-starting from the Ebute-Ero Jetty and lasting for two months.
The outlined boat inspection by the joint taskforce would cover checks on the engine , and it would involve looking at the smoke colour, ease of starting, propeller condition, abnormal running sound, size/ capacity of engine, fuel tank, engine make and power, power tilt and trim tab(PT&T), primer bulb and fuel hose(checks for cracks and breakages).
The steering checks would involve wheel (check for firmness), steering helm (mechanical steering helm or hydraulic steering helm), hydraulic transmission cables (wear and tear), easy manoeuvrability, condition of throttle cable, and condition of helm (push-pull) cable.
The Hull checks would involve scantling strength, watertight integrity below the waterline, single or double hull, and single or double bottom.
Superstructure checks would involve joints linking hull to superstructure, superstructure strength, and windows and frames.
For PFD/PPE checks, the team would look for lifebuoy, lifejackets, life rafts, sand bucket, fire extinguisher, first aid kit, anchor, and fenders.
Electrical electronics checks involve wiring and cabling, battery condition, switches, navigational lights, headlight, searchlight, astern light, audible alarm, radar, echo sounder, cabin light and bilge pump.
Dimension checks would involve looking at the LOA, breadth, draft, and capacity.
The taskforce team appeals for cooperation of the boat operators, passengers and stakeholders.
