Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), such as GPS, Galileo, GLONASS, BeiDou, etc., are universally used for maritime navigation. However, GNSS have well known vulnerabilities, including jamming, that can interrupt positioning service. For this reason, and others, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in its e-Navigation Strategy and Strategic Implementation Plan (SIP) recognizes that resilient positioning is […]
It cannot be denied that 2020 was a year characterized by changes, adaptations and reconsiderations of certain life and working scheme which seemed already established. However, once again, reality gave us another lesson, that of adapting to change. Undoubtedly, during last year, most of us learned a lot, not only individually but also in other […]
The rapid development of autonomous technologies has led to the planning or completion of numerous projects, studies and tests of maritime autonomous surface ships (otherwise known as MASS) around the world. Several autonomous vessels are already operating at sea and IMO initiated during the Maritime Safety Committee, MSC 103, in May 2021 the regulatory scope […]
The workshop under the chairmanship of Commander Hideki Noguchi (Japan Coast Guard) was well attended with 109 participants from 29 countries. Participants considered 12 presentations and the results of the two working groups. It was recognised that there are already some non-SOLAS ships (up to 300 tonnes less than 24 metres loa) such as survey […]
Since January this year diplomatic representatives of a growing number of States have signed the Convention in Paris and we anticipate many other States will follow as signatories. In order to enter into force worldwide the Convention requires 30 instruments of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession. On 21 April 2021, a diplomatic note was sent […]
As with past years World Marine Aids to Navigation Day was celebrated by the organisation and its Members around the world and it was a pleasure to see the IALA family spirit in action. In 2018 the General Assembly of IALA established World Marine Aids to Navigation Day to be commemorated on 1 July each […]
Committees – 1st half 2021 The first round of the Committee meetings for 2021 were held from 1 March to 28 April for 9 weeks. The Secretariat upgraded the arrangements for virtual meetings and conducted familiarisation sessions before the meetings. Committee meetings were held over a more extended period of time, accommodating the wide variety […]
Kongsberg Early in May it was reported that Kongsberg Digital with its Vessel Insight system had entered into an agreement with MAN Energy Solutions in respect of its PrimeServ Assist device in digitalisation. Kongsberg Digital’s Vessel Insight is a cost-efficient data infrastructure provision for the maritime market while MAN PrimeServ Assist digital concerns optimisation of […]
European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) EMSA Pollution Response Services The Lisbon-based EMSA has now issued its Drills and Exercises Annual Report 2020 which can be downloaded from the EMSA website at: www.emsa.europa.eu/publications Here are statistics, considerations and conclusions related to the activities of EMSA pollution response services consisting of a network of stand-by oil spill […]
England & Wales Trinity House Trinity House announced in mid-May that it will replace the Channel Lightvessel with a Safe Water Mark buoy now that the lightvessel position in a TSS has successfully established a marine traffic pattern. The operation to remove the lightvessel and deploy a replacement buoy is set to take place in […]
Following the Diplomatic Conference held in February 2020 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, the Convention on the International Organization for Marine Aids to Navigation has been made available in 6 languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, English, Russian, Spanish). France, the host country of the organization and depositary of the convention, has issued a communication aimed at explaining […]
In the first half of 2021, two series of webinars were held covering topics of interest for the maritime community. One series provided background information on the recommendations and guidelines that were approved at Council 72 in December 2020. The purpose of this series was to provide an opportunity to committee participants to highlight the […]
On June 30, 1810, Prefectura Naval Argentina (PNA, Argentine Coast Guard) was appointed as the national Maritime Authority, assigned to enforce 90% of the international obligations of Argentina regarding safety of navigation and vessel monitoring. In its capacity as Coastal State, Prefectura Naval Argentina oversees and manages the Navigation Safety Radio Communication System, for this […]
The International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities (IALA), in association with Japan Coast Guard, is hosting a Workshop on Marine Aids to Navigation in the Autonomous World, to be held virtually from 24 to 28 May, 2021. The workshop will focus on on-going developments within autonomous technologies that may have an […]
The Academy organizes national Micro Seminars with Coastal States to discuss progress after a technical needs assessment mission. This is a welcome support for Competent Authorities or AtoN Service Providers on how to address recommendations after an IALA mission or IMSAS audit. And for the IALA WWA itself it’s important to learn how we can […]
The IALA 13th General Assembly of 29th May 2018 in Incheon, Korea, considering an objective of promoting a greater awareness to mariners and the wider public of the vital role of marine aids to navigation in ensuring the safety and efficiency of navigation, decided to establish the World Marine Aids to Navigation Day to be […]
Due to the meeting restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 Pandemic, the 72nd session of the IALA Council was held from 8 to 10 December 2020 by videoconference. Here is a list of the main decisions taken during the council: The council approved the Decision on the Transitional Arrangements from the KL Convention. The council approved […]
The Industrial Members’ Committee (IMC) is committed to the development of a Code of Conduct for presentation at the next IALA General Assembly in 2022. This was one of several important topics addressed by the IMC Mid-Term Assembly, which took place virtually on 6 October, with 29 participants in attendance from around the world. Principles […]
Not even the pandemic of COVID-19 could stop the celebration of the World Marine Aids to Navigation (WAtoN) Day 2020, which was celebrated virtually through social media. The engagement by members and the wider maritime community across the world was outstanding. Whether it was through companies, organizations or individuals, images of Marine Aids to Navigation […]
After a record-beating 38 years Mrs Marie-Hélène Grillet has retired from the IALA Secretariat. Some would say that Marie-Hélène was born in IALA since her mother, Mrs Christiane Ville, was the very first administrative officer of the Association, from its creation in 1957. Following completion of her studies, Marie-Hélène took over this position and, later […]
