By Eric Moore
THE Port Harcourt Boat Club 1947, has stated that it is contributing to the safety and security of waterways and the islands in Rivers State.
Vice Commodore of the Port Harcourt Boat Club 1947, Mr. Dan Harrison, stated this while fielding questions from journalists, shortly after being elected at the club’s Annual General Meeting (AGM), in Port Harcourt, the state capital.
Harrison stated that the group has embarked on several safety awareness programmes to the rural areas and most especially those plying the waterways and the inland waterways, to ensure seamless navigation.
The newly-elected Vice Commodore said, as part of its safety activities, the club has distributed life jackets and revival drugs to boat users and operators.
He also revealed that the heads of security agencies are honorary members of the club, adding that the group has created a synergy between the it and the agencies concerned about safety on the waterways in the state.
Harrison said: “The Boat Club is built for recreative activities and our impact is a result of safety awareness and programmes the club embarked on. We used to have safety awareness programmes that go to the rural areas and most especially those plying the waterways, most especially the inland waterways.
“We used to carry out safety awareness programmes for them and give them life jackets, give them revival drugs and all. So, with that, we contribute to the safety of the maritime domain. That’s one part of what we do as a boating club.”
On security in the jetties, Harrison noted that there is relative improvement. “Right now, our members are navigating the waterways freely, going to Bonny, going to Onne. So, I think the maritime activities are coming on fully, signalling that the security situation is much better now.”
According to him, the election of the new management team marks a new chapter in the history of the Port Harcourt Boat Club 1947, and pledged to work tirelessly to promote the interests of the club and its members, while also contributing to the development of the state.
The club, which was established in 1947, has a rich history of promoting social interaction, recreation, and community development in Rivers State.
Among the members of the newly-elected executive include; Jammy Coker (Rear Commodore); Awoh (Secretary), Austin Bob-Manuel (Treasurer), Dawari Songo, Membership Secretary; and Amaopusenibo Fubara Hart, Boating Member.