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