Boat Mishap: No Operator Must Operate Beyond 7pm Lagos Govt Insists

Lagos State government has reiterated that the law banning boat operators plying the state's waterways from operating beyond 7.00pm each day still subsist, saying anyone caught violating the law will be prosecuted.

The state government in a joint statement issued by the director-general, Lagos Safety Commission (LSC), Mr. Lanre Mojola and the general manager, Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), Mr. Damilola Emmanuel, said the operators must comply with the waterways safety code to prevent avoidable accidents and loss of lives on the state's waterways as the yuletide approaches.

"In line with the waterways’ safety code developed by all waterway’s regulators and stakeholders, boat transport activities are to take place between 5:30am and 7.00pm every day. It is an offence for boat operators and passengers to be seen on inland waterways outside of these hours.

"Therefore, all waterways’ users are advised to strictly observe this time restriction in order to avoid boat mishaps. On no condition should anyone get onboard a vessel after or before the stipulated operational hours likewise no passenger or operator can board a vessel without wearing a life vest with standard buoyancy factor," the government warned.

According to the statement, "This is very important because in the event of an accident, the user will be able to stay afloat for a few minutes before emergency responders arrive. In addition to using appropriate PPE, boat operators are mandated to have onboard safety equipment such as fire extinguishers, first aid box, Pool float ( life buoys ) and so on."

The government also advised boat operators to adequately fuel their vessel tanks for a journey as fueling mid-sea is an unsafe practice, adding that they should also ensure regular maintenance of engines for effective performance.

The statement further noted that the third quarter of the year is a crucial period because of the general increase of commuter’s travel needs and that the waterways transportation sector was not left out.