International Organization for Marine Aids to Navigation

Last Friday, 21 November, we marked the successful conclusion of a four-week IALA Level 1.1 Model Course for Marine Aids to Navigation Managers in Kolkata, India.
Hosted by the Maritime Navigation Training Institute (MNTI) of the Directorate General of Lighthouses and Lightships (DGLL), the programme brought together 16 participants from 7 nationalities across 3 continents, including six sponsored by the IALA World-Wide Academy (WWA).
The course was a resounding success, delivered through the strong partnership between MNTI and WWA. By organising this international training for the fifth time, India continues to demonstrate its unwavering commitment to global cooperation and the safety of navigation.
This session also caps a standout year for the Academy: in 2024 alone, the Level 1.1 Manager of AtoN Model Course has been delivered seven times worldwide, benefiting 119 professionals.

The IALA WWA conducted a 10-day technical needs assessment mission to Kenya. With a Search & Rescue boat, provided by Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA), the approach channels of Kilifi and Shimoni were inspected. At Kilifi a stakeholder meeting at a local yacht wharf provided valuable input to analyse the leading lights and buoys. Due to the sea state at Lamu,  Kenya Port Authority (KPA) provided a tugboat for the Lamu channel inspection, the pilot was present to discuss the AtoN.  At Mombasa port the pilot boat was available, and the Deputy Harbourmaster accompanied the expert together with a KMA officer to discuss the AtoN deployment plan. The last day, at a debriefing meeting, the impact of full VTS implementation was discussed with KMA. For KMA as National Competent Authority for VTS it was an important moment to analyse whether the present legal frameworks address all international obligations related to VTS provision.

The IALA course “Efficient Procurement for Marine Aids to Navigation Managers” will be held for the first time in Africa, from 12 to 16 January 2026 in The Gambia, hosted by the Gambia Maritime Administration.