Written By: Chief Dominic Ndife

Flooding is an overflow of a large amount of water beyond its normal limits; especially over what is normally dry land or structures. This is a natural phenomenon that happens annually in Nigeria, mostly from July to October.

In recent times however, boat mishap or accident has become a recurrent decimal in the country. In most cases, innocent passengers and crew members die in the process; a situation many regard as avoidable circumstances.

In 2016, a corps member from Anambra State, serving at Okpotuwari community in Bayelsa state, died in a boat accident. In August 2017, four passengers lost their fives in a boat mishap in Ogwuikpele area in Ogbaru Local Government of Anambra State. In 2018, nine Corps members lost their lives in a boat accident that took place around Gashuka area of Taraba State, while twelve passengers lost their lives in a boat accident that took place in June, 2019 at Ikorodu, Lagos State

Maritime transportation, world over, is the safest means of transportation. It is guided by the rules and regulations of International Maritime Organization (IMO). In the first instance, every boat that must convey passengers from point A to B must be seaworthy and must comply with the Standard Operational Procedure as stipulated.

The Captain is the Safety Officer of his boat in terms of a smaller craft and must ensure that the boat is good to go at all times. The Captain must provide Safety Vest for all the passengers and must, as a matter of fact, conduct safety briefing before boarding and eventually embarking on any trip. He must ensure that passengers observe the boarding rules and regulations of first in last out and at the same time, balance the boat by telling passengers where to sit inside the boat, not forgetting those passengers that will alight in between the journey.

He must also ensure that all passengers are seated before the departure of the jetty. On no account should the Captain overload the boat. This is one of the major causes of boat capsize in the event of strong wind, current or wave.

Furthermore, the Captain must ensure that the boat is equipped with other safety devices that will aid him in an emergency. Such devices include Anchor, torchlight, personal protective device, fire extinguisher, visual distress signals, horn or whistle and a good towing rope. In the event of boat capsize, passengers must not struggle, or panic. Rather, they should be in control of themselves. If the safety vest is in order, they must remain afloat with their heads above the water, if the vest is properly worn. The passengers should also use the whistle in the safety vest, which they can use to call attention from time to time as no one knows where your help will come.

Passengers must not board any boat without life vest because it is for their own personal safety in the event of boat mishap. If a passenger wants to answer the call of nature while the boat is under and making way, he or she must inform the Captain for assistance.

Again, if a boat is coming alongside a jetty, all passengers must be seated to avoid blocking the view of the Captain as this act could cause a serious accident. Any passenger that wants to disembark from a boat exercise patience. Passengers should at all times obey the instructions by the Captain because it is for their own safety.

For us to achieve those safety standards and have accident free water ways, government at all levels must be up and doing because without government support and supervision we will achieve little or nothing in the process. As a matter of fact, there is a lot that government can do in this direction.

For instance, Government can organize training workshops for boat Captains and attendants. Government can equally employ marine safety professionals and second them to ports, harbors and jetties. These professionals can as well supervise the conduct of the boat Captains, boat crews and the passengers at various jetties and report back to the government.

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