Assessment of Safety of Water Craft in Lake Kainji was conducted. A total of 50

questionnaires were administered to five randomly selected fishing areas along the lake. The items used in planning a lake trip shows that 30.23% and 28.68% used pole and paddles, while 19.38% and 16.25% used outboard engine and bamboo stick respectively. Majority of the respondents (32.92%) used Styrofoam as a life saving facility followed by bamboo (Kala, 24.37%), while empty tanks/jerry can accounted for 15.85%, life bouy contributed 13.41 % of the life saving appliances.

The major causes of accidents onboard include wave action/wind, free stump, overloading and

stones in the lake. Others include wild aquatic animals and unskilled operators. 59.68% seek for help by shouting, while 32.26% by raising paddle up and whistle when seeking for help in boat in distress. Out of the respondents, 70.21 % maintained boats by washing regularly, while 29.79 by washing occasionally. Finally, recommendations were made on how to improve efficient

maneuverability for fishing and transport boats in Lake Kainji

Abubakar, S.

Ahmed, Y.B.

Bako, M.M.

Aquatic Commons

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Materials and Methods
Study Area
Lake Kainji lies in the savannah region between latitude 9° 30 and 10° 35'N and between
longitudes 40°20' and 4° 40'E (Fig. 1) and was formed after the closure of River Niger inAugust 1968
(8alogun and lbeun, 1995).The Lake has an area of 1270 km2 being 25 km at its widest point and
137kmat its longest point. It contains 13.97 km'of water at its maximum level. Although the primary
purpose of constructing the lake was generation of hydroelectric power, the lake has offered great
opportunities for a variety of development projects such as fisheries, irrigated agriculture and
improved navigation on the River Niger (8alogun and Ibeun, 1995). The major occupation of the
people around the lake is fishing with the total of 3,823 fishers, 4,416 canoes and 383 outboard
engines as reported during 2004 frame survey (Abiodun and Niworu, 2004). Other occupations in
thearea include farming and livestock rearing.
Y.B. Ahmed, S. Abubakar and M.M. Bako
Federal College of Freshwater Fisheries Technology, P.M.B. 1500, New Bussa, Niger State.
Abstract
Assessment of Safety of Water Craft in Lake Kainji was conducted. A total of 50
questionnaireswere administered to five randomly selected fishing areas along the lake. The items
usedin planning a lake trip shows that 30.23% and 28.68% used pole and paddles, while 19.38%
and 16.25% used outboard engine and bamboo stick respectively. Majority of the respondents
(32.92%) used Styrofoam as a life saving facility followed by bamboo (Kala, 24.37%), while empty
tanks/jerrycan accounted for 15.85%, life bouy contributed 13.41 % of the life saving appliances.
Themajor causes of accidents onboard include wave action/wind, free stump, overloading and
stonesin the lake. Others include wild aquatic animals and unskilled operators. 59.68% seek for
helpby shouting, while 32.26% by raising paddle up and whistle when seeking for help in boat in
distress.Out of the respondents, 70.21 % maintained boats by washing regularly, while 29.79 by
washing occasionally. Finally, recommendations were made on how to improve efficient
maneuverability for fishing and transport boats in Lake Kainji.
Keywords: Safety, Watercraft, Lake Kainji
Introduction
Navigation is the science of determining the position of a ship and craft or guided missile, and
chartinga course for guiding the craft safely and expeditiously from one point to another (Flore,
2000). However, the practice of Navigation requires not only thorough knowledge of science of
navigation,but also considerable experience and judgment. .
Safety, according to advanced learner's dictionary, "is the state of being safe and protected
fromdanger or harm". Further more, according to Ministry of Defence (Navy, 1979) safety can be
usedto describe the normal precaution which are taken in a merchantship, to guard against fire,
flooding, general danger, and casualties to personnel, whether caused by an accident or by the
enemy,and to minimize their effect.
The Kainji Lake was free of water hyacinth (E. crassipes) until 1989, it came with the floods
fromthe neigbouring Niger Republic (Olokor et aI, 2002). The weed has since then multiplied and
spread across the lake, causing serious obstruction to navigation and fishing activities. The
International Regulations for Prevention of Collision at Sea, 1972 (cOLREGS) and the navigation
of inland waters rules enacted by law on 13th June, 1963 for Nigerian inland waters, together
commonly known as the "Rules of the Road", comprise the laws all Mariners are required to obey to
keepsafe while traveling on the water.
In recent times various accidents have occurred in the lake leading to loss of life and property.
Inview of this, there is need to carry out studies on the safety of fishing and transport boats in Lake
Kainji,North West, Nigeria.
The present study was to:- determine the basic crafts commonly used in the study area;
evaluate navigational life saving practices in the study area; establish the boat maintenance
practices in the Lake; and find outthe constraints militating against effective navigation in the Lake.
ASSESSMENT OF SAFETY OF WATER CRAFT IN LAKE KAINJI, NIGERIA~
e :::::;.
jFig. 1: Map of Lake kainji Showing Sampling Station
Niger
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Kebbi
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Northern
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Niger
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Scale , Kilometer
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North
t
Table 1: Boats specification used by artisanal fishersmen in Lake Kainji
Parameters Freguenc~ Percentage
Type
Boat 25 50
Canoe 23 46
Gourd 2 4
Total 50 100
Size (m) LOA
4-7 26 54.17
8-11 5 10.42
12-15 9 18.75
16-20 8 16.67
Total 48 100
Capacity (ton)
0.45-5 33 68.75
5.1-10 3 6.25
10.1-15 3 6.25
15.1-20 1 2j)8
20.1-25 1 2.08
25.1-30 4 8.33
30.1- and above 3 6.25
Total 48 100
e :: : iii ::~~:: :1 ~:: ~75J :: I:~:;. ::. :1: i~iii I - ~j
e :: p:: t:: :::werr:: ::mt:u ;=·:;:::;::nrtrermw ::=t:@=7'::!:!!:::=I~!:!;::·!:·:::H:=j
Five fishing villages viz: Yuna, Amfani, Malale, Wara, and Yelwa Yauri, of Niger and Kebbi
States,were selected to ascertain the safety of fishing and transport system in the Lake. This
includesthe ways of finding direction in the lake, boat construction, and their maintenance. Five
respondentswere selected randomly in each fishing village for fishing and transport. This brings
thesample size to 25 fishers and 25 transporters, giving a total of fifty (50) respondents in all.
Informationwere collected on socio-demographic, life saving appliance, problems constraining
fishingand transportation in the Lake. Subsequently personal data were also obtained from a
staffof National Inland Water Ways Authourity (NIWA), Yelwa Yauri, Kebbi State, and from the
department of Marine Police at Kainji dam complex and Yauri, on life saving appliances, and
causesof accident on the Lake.
Data obtained in the 50 questionnaires administered were scored, and the percentages of
the parameters were calculated appropriately and presented in frequency tables. Only simple
descriptivestatistics of means and percentages were employed in this analysis.
Results a nd Discussion
The results from Table 1 show the types of water craft used by the respondents. Majority
(50%)used boat followed by canoe (46%) and least 4% of the respondent used Gourd. The
lengthover all (LOA) (size) of the water craft shows that 54.17% used 4-7m LOA followed by
18.75%with LOA between 12-15m, while 16.67% used boats ranging from 16-20m LOA, and
least(10.47%) were 8-11m LOA. The capacity in tons of the boat (Table 1) shows that majority
(68.75%)had a boat capacity of 0.45-5 tons, followed by 25.1-30 tons (8.33%), while 6.25% each
were5.1-10,10.1-15 and 30.1 and above tons respectively, and 2.08% each capacity were 15.1-
20and20.1-25 tons. 87.50% of boats were constructed using primitive methods while 12.50%
werebymodern construction methods. According to Ministry of Defence Navy (1979), the hull of
ashipmustwithstand the load imposed upon it by heavy seas or by the blocks in a dry dock, it must
alsobesufficiently strong to withstand damage in the event of collision or grounding.
About 44.32% and 36.36% of the boats were re-enforced with frames no-glued and not
gluedand not framed respectively while 15.91% not framed-glued and 3.41% glued and framed.
91.7%of the boats had improper shift of butt while 8.3% proper shift of butt. Ministry of Defence
(Navy,1979) reported that every ship carries a statement or drawing showing where the different
materialsare used in the ship's structure, as it is necessary to know the type of material when
painting,chipping orwelding, in orderto avoid the wrong materials.
Parameters Frequency Percentage
Items used in planning a trip
Chart 1 0.78
Paddle 37 28.68
Pole 39 30.23
Engine (in or outboard) 25 19.38
Car tube 1 0.78
Bamboo stick 21 16.25
Styro foam 5 3.88
Total 129 100
Finding direction
Celestial bodies 44 88
Fleig 6 12
Total 50 100
Causes of accidents
Stoves 13 11.61
Waves action/wind 40 35.71
Stump 29 25.89
HPT/Crocodile 9 8.045
Overloading 20 17.86
Unskilled operators 1 0.89
Total 112 100
Number not equal to 50 because of multiple responses.
lterns used in planning a trip, finding of direction and causes of accident are presented inTable3.
It was found that 30.23% and 28.68% used pole and paddles, while 19.38% and 16.25% used
engine (In or outboard) and Bamboo (Kala) respectively, and the rest used styrofoam (3.88%)
chart and cartubeeach 0.78%.
___ Majority (88%) of the respondents used celestial bodies to find their direction, while (12%)
used flag; Gardner and Creelman (1986) stated that to an observer on the earth, the heaven
present the aspect of a large inverted bowlwith the earth situated at its center and the sun, moon,
stars and planets situated around its surface, all equidistant from the earth. The major causes of
accidents on board the boats on Lake Kainji are wave action/wind (35.71) and stump (25.89%),
while 17.86% and 11.61% of accidents were caused by overloading and stones in the lake
respectively wild aquatic animals (e.g. Crocodile) and unskilled operators caused 8.04% and
0.89%of accidents respectively.
. Table 3: Important equipments used in boat maneuvering and causes of accidents on
Lake Kainji.
14 15.91
32 36.36
3 3.41
39 44.32
88 100
4 8.3
4 91.7
44 100Total
i:::;,)= ::,::::: :::::: ::::: .::3::::: ;':= : " ::::::: ::;=:::::: ::::::::::i:::::::::::~::~::::::::G:::::::::'::::~t::::::: ::::: :::::::::: I
Construction methods
Modern • 6 12.50
Primitive 42 87.50
Total 48 100
Re-enforcementwith
Not framed glued
Frames no glued
Glued andframed
Not glued and not framed
Total
Shift of butt
Proper
Improper
Parameters Frequency Percentage
Life saving appliances
Bamboo(kala) 20 24.39
Paddle 7 8.53
Calabash 1 1.22
Styrofoam 27 32.92
Lifebuoy 11 13.41
Emptytank/Jerrycan 13 15.85
Cartube 2 2.43
Lifejacket 1 1.22
Total 82 100
Seeking help in boat in distress:
Byshouting 37 .59.68
Raisingof paddles up 20 32.26
Whistle 5 8.06
Total 62 100
Fire fighting equipment (types)
Sand 36 49.31
Fireextinquisher 3 4.11
Wetting 34 46.56
Wetting of cloth 73 100
Knowledge of First-Aid
Yes 10 23.81
No 32 76.19
Total 42 100
=::
Table 4 presents life saving appliances, seeking help in boat in distress, fire fighting
equipmentand knowledge of first-aid. Majority of the respondents (32.92%) used styrofoam as a
lifesaving facility, followed by Bamboo (Kala) (24.39%), while empty tanks/jerry cans accounted
for 15.85%, life buoy contributed 13.41% OT the life saving appliances. Other life saving
appliances include paddle, car tube, calabash and life jacket In decreasing order of magnitude.
TheInternational Convention for the safety of life at sea (SOLAS) stated that all seagoing vessel
mustbeequipped with life saving acBpliances.
As shown in Table 4, 59.68 Yo seek for help by shouting, while 32.26% by raising of paddle
up,andwhistle (8.01%). Bole et al. (1987) reported that the diversion resulting from the receipt of
adistressmessage can occur at anytime and anywhere, provided it is reasonable, all ships within
hundredmiles or so, are likely to respond, even at some increased risk to themselves. A prompt
responseis an essential feature of most rescue missions. A distressed vessel can use whatever
distressfrequencies available (Bole et aI, 1987).The types of fire fighting equipment (Table 4)
show that 49.31 % and 46.56% of respondents fight fire with sand and wet cloth, while 4.11% by
fireextinguishers. It is essential to the safety of his ship that every seaman obtains working
knowledgeof the causes of accidental fires, and of how to prevent, control and extinguish them
(MOD Navy,1979). Majority of the respondents (76.19%) did not have any knowledge of first-aid
treatmenton board while 23.71 % were aware offirst aid.
Information on boat maintenance practiced by respondents in Lake Kainji are presented in
Table5. About 70.21 % maintained their boats by washing regularly while 29.79% washed their
boastoccasionally. About47.91 % of the respondents did not paint their boats, while 20.83% each
paintedboats twice and once a year, espectively and least (10.41 %) paint only once. Omorodion
(1986) reported that the key is to prevent water from getting to the hull and construction materials
notto have rust, rot or corrosion. The main requirement, according to the author, is paint, and
paintingon schedule, oiling, greasing and maintenance of moving orworking parts.
The local materials used to improve boat life span are presented in Table 5. About 48% of
respondentsused shear butter followed by cotton wool (26.67%J while condensed engine oil
accountedfor 18.61%. Others used zinc/nail (4%) and Coal-tar (2 Yo). Life span of boats treated
withlocalmaterials included 63.82% between 10-19 years, 1-9 years (25.53%) while 20-29 years
(8.51%) and 30-39 years (2.13%).
Table4: Navigation life saving practices used in water Craft by respondents in Lake Kainji.
References
Abiodun, J.A andAM. Niworu (2004): Fisheries Statistical Bulletin, Kainji Lake, Nigeria. Kainji
Lake Fisheries Management and conservation Unit Technical Report series 23,23p.
Ahmed, YB. (1998): Assessment of the Fisheries of Lake Kainji in Yelwa Area Kebbi State,
Nigeria PGDFM Project submitted to the Department of Forestry and Fisheries, Usmanu
DanfodiyoUniversity,Sokoto, Nigeria.61p.
Ahmed, YB; AA Eyo andA Usman (2005): Impactof NigeriaAgricultural Cooperative and Rural
DevelopmentBank (NCRDB) loanonartisanal fishermen in Lake Kainji In: PAAraoye (ed)
Proceedings of the 19th annual conference of the Fisheries Society of Nigeria (FISON)
lIorinpp.102-113.
Balogun,J.K. andM.O. Ibeun (1995). Additional informationon Fish-stocks and Fisheriesof Lake
Kainji Nigeria. In: Crul, R.C.M. and Roest F.C. (eds) Current Status of the Fisheries and
fish stocks of the four largest African reservoirs: Kainji, Kariba, NasserlNaubia and Volta,
C.I.FA. Technical paperNo. 30 Rome FAO PP.3-17.
Bole,A. G.,W.O. Dineley and C.E. Nicholls (1987). The Navigation Control Manual. William
HeinemannLtd. London. 306p.
Bolorunduro, P.I. and AE. Falaye (2003). Socio-Economics characteristics as predictors of
adoption of improve fish smoking kilns by processors in North-Western Nigeria. Nigerian
Journal of Fisheries 1(1): 70-84.
Flore,AE. (2000): Navigation. Microsoft (R) Encarta (R) Encyclopedia 8p.
Gardner,AC. andW.E. Creelman. (1986): Navigation for School and College. Brown, Son and
FergusonLtd.Glasgow 263p.
Ministryof Defence(NAVY)(1979):Admiralty Manualof SeamanshipBR67 (1)voI.1-509.p
Olokor, J.O. F. Daddy and G.O. Adesina (2002): Water hyacinth cover hydrological pattern of
Kainji Lake. In: B.M.B. Ladu et al. (eds). Proceedings of the International Conference of
waterhyacinth pp.122-129.
25.53
63.82
8.51
2.13
100
12
30
4
1
47
2.67
48.00
18.61
26.67
4
100
2
36
14
20
3
75
Local materials used to improved boat
life span
Coalter
Sheabutter
Condensed engine oil
Cotton wool
Zinc/Nail
Total
Year(s) spent when treated boat with
local materials
1':9
10-19
20-29
30-39
Total
20.83
10.41
47.91
20.83
100
10
5
23
10
48
29.79
70.21
100
By washing
Regularly 14
Occasionally 33
Total 47
Painting
Yearly
Only once
No painting
6 months
Total
PercentageParameters Frequency
.~ 7 § .
Table 5: Boat maintenance practices by respondent in Lake Kainji.


Assessment of safety of water craft in Lake Kainji, Nigeria

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