News: India actively participated as the Vice President of the International Organization for Marine Aids to Navigation (IALA) in the 2nd Session of the IALA Council, held in Nice, France. International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities.
About the International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities
- It was established in 1957 as a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) ensuring safe and efficient navigation across the world’s seas and waterways.
- Formation: On August 22, 2024, it officially became an Intergovernmental Organisation (IGO) after 30 countries agreed to or approved (ratified or acceded to) the convention. As of now, there are 39 ratifications/acceptances/accessions of the Convention
- Aim:
- To ensure safe, efficient, and sustainable navigation by developing globally harmonised standards for Marine Aids to Navigation.
- To promote innovation, technical excellence, and capacity-building through credible, practical, and non-commercial guidance.
- To foster international cooperation and knowledge-sharing among maritime stakeholders to support global maritime obligations.
- Mandate: To harmonise global maritime navigation systems, enhance maritime safety, and collaborate with member states, international bodies, and industry on emerging safety and environmental challenges.
- Membership: IALA has 200 members, including 80 national authorities and 60 commercial firms. India has been a member since 1957.
- Headquarters: Saint-Germain-en-Laye, France.
- The 1st General Assembly of the International Organisation for Marine Aids to Navigation (IALA) was held in Singapore.
