By Abbas Nazil
Marine and Maritime Advocate, Captain Caleb Danladi, has urged stakeholders and government agencies to take coordinated and proactive measures to end the recurring boat mishaps across Nigeria’s inland waterways and coastal zones.
Danladi, in a statement titled “Safeguarding Lives at Sea — Proactive Solutions to Boat Mishaps in Nigeria’s Waters,” said that the frequent loss of lives is largely preventable if effective policies and strict enforcement mechanisms are adopted.
He called for less blame and more action, advocating for robust and enforceable maritime safety regulations such as mandatory use of life jackets, accurate passenger manifests, strict adherence to loading limits, and the employment of only certified crew members.
According to him, routine inspections by maritime safety agencies and local authorities are essential to enforce these rules.
To encourage operators to follow safety protocols, he also recommended offering incentives to those who comply with regulations.
One of Danladi’s key proposals is the adoption of a digital boat registration system linked with GPS tracking.
He explained that this innovation would enhance accountability and drastically improve emergency response times during accidents.
Danladi urged the government and donor organisations to support and subsidise this technology to make it affordable for local boat operators.
He also called for the creation of fully equipped search and rescue units at key jetties and popular transit points.
These units, he said, should include trained divers, emergency radios, rescue boats, and designated zones specifically for quick-response operations.
Recognising that a majority of boat accidents happen in remote rural communities, Danladi proposed community-based safety training programmes to empower both passengers and operators.
Such programmes should include training in water survival techniques, basic first aid, and correct loading procedures.
He also emphasised the importance of mandatory licensing and continuous training for boat operators, recommending a national curriculum covering navigation, weather forecasting, engine mechanics, and safety drills.
To tackle structural deficiencies in the sector, Danladi suggested a government-led initiative that would work with maritime engineers and local boat builders to gradually phase out unsafe vessels and replace them with certified, safer models.
For better coordination and operational efficiency, he called for stronger collaboration among regulatory agencies such as the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), state marine units, and traditional institutions.
According to him, joint patrols and consistent information sharing would close existing gaps in enforcement and improve overall maritime safety.
Lastly, Danladi urged the government to introduce marine insurance schemes that would cushion the effects of accidents on affected families and victims.
