AAMA maps strategy for ferry safety

 Delegates attending the 8th African Association of Maritime Administrations (AAMA) Conference in this city have emphasized the importance of domestic ferry safety in Africa.

 By Stephen G. Fellajuah

 Congo Town, Liberia; October 3, 2025 – The 8th African Association of Maritime Administrations (AAMA) Conference, being hosted in Liberia, has placed a spotlight on domestic ferry safety in Africa, as delegates gathered for an intensive workshop aimed at transforming safety culture, regulation, and resilience across the sector.

 Hosted at the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Ministerial Complex in Monrovia, the workshop featured two expert panels and thematic group discussions, unveiling bold initiatives led by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), regional bodies, and international stakeholders.

 During the first panel, the IMO introduced its ongoing two-year initiative to enhance safety and energy efficiency of domestic passenger ships through regulatory reforms and stakeholder engagement.

 The initiative, part of a global strategy being adapted for Africa, aims to identify regulatory gaps, strengthen national frameworks, and advance decarbonization goals for domestic ferries. Key components include drafting model regulations, developing a safety implementation manual, and establishing an online forum for knowledge sharing.

 “The initiatives introduced can be replicated in subregions, regions, and across Africa,” the IMO emphasized.

 Dr. Anish Hebbar presented the roadmap titled “Measures to Improve Domestic Ferry Safety,” outlining plans to develop model laws and provide guidance on integrating those into domestic legislation.

 The second panel spotlighted regional efforts and challenges in ferry safety, featuring stakeholders such as AAMA, MOWCA, and MOESNA.

 MOESNA, in particular, highlighted the critical obstacles facing ferry operations, including insufficient regulatory frameworks, weak institutional capacity, limited infrastructure, a mismatch between ferry service supply and demand, and inadequate search and rescue mechanisms.

 Despite these hurdles, MOESNA achieved key milestones, including the development of a regional maritime transport policy, the creation of a regional coordination platform, advocacy for national naval administrations, and the harmonization of the PCS (Port Community System) for inland waterways.

 Darren Johnson, Vice President of BC Ferries and Interferry Representative from Canada, offered insights from his organization’s safety-first approach:

 “Managing risks because risk evolves and managing decision making and the capabilities to control your destiny to the lowest operating level, are the key to success in building a great safety culture,” Johnson told the forum.

 He emphasized the importance of decentralization and empowering frontline operators with effective tools as crucial steps in shaping a resilient safety culture.

 Following the panels, participants engaged in three deep-dive group discussions, exploring strategic, cultural, and systemic approaches to improving ferry safety.

 They brainstormed the development of robust national safety strategies and clear governance structures, strengthening accountability across regulators and operators, and enhancing regulatory effectiveness to ensure adaptable and enforceable safety laws.

 They also considered cultivating a proactive and preventative safety mindset at all levels, learning systematically from past accidents and integrating lessons into operations, and establishing frameworks for ongoing learning and performance improvement.

 Additionally, building strategic partnerships for knowledge sharing, technology adoption, and infrastructure development. Leveraging innovation for maintenance and real-time operational safety, as well as improving financial and insurance mechanisms to ensure sector recovery and investment.

 Running from September 30 to October 3, the 8th AAMA Conference, hosted by the Liberia Maritime Authority, will bring together over 200 delegates from more than 40 countries, including policymakers, industry experts, and representatives from international organizations.

 As the conference progresses, the outcomes of Day 3 lay a critical foundation for enhancing ferry safety, a key issue for a continent where domestic water transport remains vital for economic and social connectivity. Editing by Jonathan Browne