ATBOWATON To Delist Boat Operators Who Ignore Distress Call, Appoints Advisers

The Association of Tourist Boat operators and water Transporters of Nigeria (ATBOWATON) says it would sanction Boat Operators who violates the International maritime organization (IMO) Save Our Soul (SoS) distress call from any boat in trouble, not rulling out expulsion from the association as a last punitive measure.

The association headed by its National President Dr. Ganiyu Tarzan Balogun has appointed two special advisers to help deepen the running of the organization and same breath, sent out warning signals to registered members who ignore distress calls from fellow operators in course of accidents or operational difficulties.

The special advisers appointed by the National President to recalibrate the foremost private sector boat operators regulatory body are Mr Tope Fajimirokun and Mr Joseph Philip. Fajimirokun who is also the Badagry chapter chairman of the association, takes up additional responsibility as Special Advisor to the National President on inter government relationship and labour matters, while Engineer Joseph Philip will henceforth process all national security issues on waterways. All appointments are of immediate effect.

Rising from a meeting with the Board of Trustees, in Badagry over the weekend President of the association, Dr Tarzan Balogun disclosed that he needed the help of the two new appointees to chart new areas of ATBOWATON National operations in order to serve members well and to also enthrone democratic engagements expected of a national body like ATBOWATON. He called on Messers Tope Fajimirokun and Joseph Philip to bring their wealth of experience and passion for the industry to bear on their  new assignments, adding that ATBOWATON has come of age and must be seen to  add value to the development of the system.

On the rising tide of negative attitude of  operators, particularly those  in Lagos, ignoring calls from distressed  boats , Dr Balogun warned that violators, will be profiled, fined at first instance and on last resort, will face outright expulsion with no options of fine from the association. Present at the meeting were Mr. Frank Meke (BoT), Lagos Chapter Chairman, Alhaji  Babatunde lawal and others.

 

The Lagos chapter chairman of the Association, Alhaji lawal commended the President for the new appointments, saying it will bring more bite and leadership options for the private sector water transportation body in Nigeria.