The safety of all passengers, staff, operators and property on the waterways is a matter that we take very seriously. To this end, LASWA has numerous processes in place to ensure that swift and efficient action is taken in the in the event of any emergency.
Prevention is our first priority. To achieve this, all ferries and boats are required to allow on-the-spot access to their vessels for regular inspections at jetties and terminal to ensure that their vessels continue to meet the standards stipulated as a condition of their terms of operations. These include:
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Bi- annual inspections and random spot checks on boats daily
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Positioning of Water Guards at state owned jetties to ensure compliance with safety regulations.
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Installation of compulsory navigational aids and maker buoys to aid smooth navigation.
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Cessation of operations during adverse weather conditions. If caught midstream, ferry captains are advised to go the closest jetty to wait until they can safely continue on their journey
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Strict prohibition against the overloading of vessels with passengers or cargo
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Insurance of passengers and ferry operators
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Everyone is required to wear life jackets for the entire duration of their trip, including all personnel, with heavy penalties and sanctions issued for non-compliance. In the unlikely event of an accident/emergency, the following procedures are in readily in place:
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Regular monitoring by the water patrol unit who are strategically positioned to respond quickly by reaching the point of any emergency as soon as the unit is alerted.
Information required