NIWA Threatens To Flush Out Quack Boat Drivers In Delta State

National Inland Waterways Authority, NIWA on Monday vowed to flush out quack boat drivers from its waterways in Delta State.

 

This is one of the measures being taken to ensure the safety of lives and properties as well as reduce water/ river accidents in the waterways.

In his address, the Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority, Dr.(Chief) George Muoghalu said the training programme for the boat drivers in collaboration with LUFREDHA Academy,was aimed to empower drivers on safety precautions.

 

MD who was represented by Engr.Daniel Ogbe, Deputy General Manager Marine said,”This 5-Days programme is open to all eligible power boaters:-crew boat, cruising and racing skippers as well as commercial fishermen.

“The training is structured to be conducted by experienced captains of marine industries, all experts in their field to provide novice and experienced boat operators with information and skills required to prepare for inland navigation, boat preparation, handling heavy weather etc.

“On-the-water demonstration will include quick stop and man overboard recoveries, and flare procedures.”

The Chairman of the event, Barr. Sonny Sidadi-Kadiri appreciated NIWA in collaboration with Lufredha Academy for the training and retraining of boat drivers to maintain an acceptable safety standard are obtainable anywhere in the world.

“It is to ensure that the basic requirements for safety of life and property, along the waterways are not compromised. We look forward to the water demonstration or drill which will include quick stop; man overboard recoveries and flare procedures. These demonstrations, though entertaining, are for the safety of lives.”

The Chief Executive Officer of Lufredha Academy, Tonlagha Rosemary said the training for the boat drivers will help greatly in reducing accidents and others in the waterways.

Meanwhile Engr. Dangana Mohammed , NIWA Warri Area Manager assured stakeholders that the authority would continue to ensure safety of passengers on the inland waterways.

On his part ,the Unit Head of Marine Department in NIWA,Engr. Ipimoroti Adeleye made this known at a training programme organized for boat drivers in Warri.

Adeleye said quack boat drivers will not be allowed on the waterways again noting that NIWA will soon embark on patrols.

He stressed that it will not tolerate any excuses when its fully out to enforce its safety rules.

He urged the relevant marine companies to send in their staff(boat drivers) for the training being organized by NIWA,to help train and keep the waterways safe from accidents and others.

 

Mr. Innocent Ohwotuemuhor, a trainer with Lufredha Academy , urged boat drivers to avoid alcohol and drugs if they must they must drive.

According to him, “Alcohol will impair your judgements driving. You’re not supposed to be on drugs.”

Ohwotuemuhor also advised the boat drivers to ensure that their passengers always wear lived jackets before entering the boats for any trip bearing in mind all safety rules applicable to NIWA.

He said the boat drivers should always move with their communication gadgets whenever they embark on any journeys especially during critical times as well as know the weather condition before doing same.

 

 

 

By Mattex Omonext