Context: Recently, India has been elected Vice President of the International Association of Aids to Marine Navigation (IALA) during its first General Assembly in Singapore.

• India is hosting the IALA Council meeting in December 2025 and the IALA Conference & General Assembly in September 2027 in Mumbai.

About International Organization of Aids to Marine Navigation (IALA)

• Established in – 1957, as a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) and a non-profit making international technical association.

• NGO to IGO – It officially changed its status from an NGO to an Intergovernmental Organization (IGO) based on a convention ratified by 34 states on 2024.

• It is previously known as International Association of Lighthouse Authorities (IALA).

• Motto – Successful Voyages, Sustainable Planet.

• Aim – To foster the safe, economic and efficient movement of vessels, through,

• Improvement and harmonization of aids to navigation worldwide

• Other appropriate means, for the benefit of the maritime community and the protection of the environment.

• Membership – 200 members, 80 of which are national authorities and 60 are commercial firms.

• India – Member since 1957.

• Collaborated member states - It encourages its members to work together in a common effort to harmonize aids to navigation worldwide. 

• Organizational Structure:

1. General Assembly: Supreme governing body, meets every four years.

2. Council: Executive decision-making authority.

3. Technical Committees: Experts from different nations work on standardization.

• It ensures that the movements of vessels are safe, expeditious and cost effective.

• It also encourages co-operation between nations to give developing countries the opportunity to make use of new aids to navigation techniques.  

• Support SDGs – It recommends its members and other marine aids to navigation authorities responsible for the provision of Marine Aids to Navigation endeavour to support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Aims & Objectives

• Ensure safe and efficient vessel movement through marine navigation aids.

• Standardize global maritime navigation systems.

• Promote sustainable marine environment protection.

• Facilitate technology-driven solutions for better navigational safety.

Functions & Responsibilities

• Develop Global Standards: IALA sets Standards, Guidelines, and Courses for uniform maritime safety. It promotes best practices to enhance navigation efficiency.

• Enhance Maritime Safety & Environmental Protection: It works to reduce marine accidents and protect ecosystems. It helps developing nations build reliable navigation systems.

• Technological Advancements: IALA forms technical committees for innovation in navigation. It fosters collaboration to integrate modern solutions.

• Promote International Cooperation: It provides training to harmonize AtoN systems. It organizes conferences for global maritime collaboration.