Groupings International Organization for Marine Aids to Navigation (IALA)

Context:

India participated as Vice President in the 2nd IALA Council session held in Nice, France.
India will also host:

• The 3rd IALA General Assembly in 2025, and
• The 21st IALA Conference in 2027, both in Mumbai.

About IALA

• Full Name: International Organization for Marine Aids to Navigation
• Type: Intergovernmental technical organization
• Established: In 1957 as a non-governmental body; became intergovernmental in 2021
• Headquarters: Saint-Germain-en-Laye, France
• Membership: Around 200 members, including:
  • 80 national authorities
  • 60 commercial entities

India’s Role

• A founding member of IALA
• Serving as a Council Member since 1980
• Currently holds the Vice Presidency in the Council

Objectives of IALA

• To create international standards and technical guidance for Marine Aids to Navigation (AtoN)
• To enhance maritime safety, environmental protection, and global standardization of navigation practices
• To facilitate capacity building in member countries through:
  • Training
  • Technology transfer
  • Advisory support

Core Functions

• Develops global norms for:
  • Buoys, lighthouses, beacons, and
  • Vessel Traffic Services (VTS)
• Promotes digital and smart navigation, including:
  • IoT-based navigation systems
  • Maritime Service Registry
  • Electronic AtoNs
• Encourages conservation of historic lighthouses