NIWA Tasks Boat Operators On Safety Vests

Boat Operators in Riv
ers State have been reminded to ensure that all passengers on board put on life jackets before embarking on any journey.
The General Manager, Marine, National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Engr Balogun Olusegun, gave the reminder during a presentation of the Jackets and Safety Awareness Campaign for boat operators in River State by NIWA, held at their Marine Base Dockyard, Port Harcourt  recently.
Olusegun said the importance of life jackets for passengers and boat operators cannot be over-emphasised as it could save lives in case of any boat mishap on sea, stressing that with life vest, one could remain afloat and sustain the person for a reasonable period of time.
According to him, the vest buoys the body while the bright colours identified the victim for easy rescue as the reflective lines shine both at night and day time.
He reiterated that life jackets are important for marine boat operators and their passengers and therefore advised the passengers to demand for one before embarking on any journey as well as avoid travelling at night.
The General Manager opined that the management of NIWA is desirous of bringing boat accidents to a minimal as the Authority is doing everything to ensure zero tolerance on water accident and emergency response, an warned that very soon, any body without life jacket would be arrested as efforts are being intensified to ensure strict compliance.
Olusegun further warned that in no distant time, only trained boat operators would operate boats and obey safety regulations for safety on the waterways, enjoying the participants to take the awareness to other boat operators in the state.

Newly acquired Tug boats (M/V HINNA and Otuoke) by the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) at berth 5, Rivers Port recently.