International Organisation for Marine Aids to Navigation (IALA)
Source: PIB
GS II: Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate
Overview
- News in Brief
- About the International Organisation for Marine Aids to Navigation (IALA)
Why in the News?
India, as IALA Vice President, attended the 2nd Council Session in Nice, France.
News in Brief
- Led by T.K. Ramachandran, the delegation showcased advancements in marine aids and invited members to events in Mumbai.
- Discussions covered IoT protocols, heritage conservation, and IALA’s 2025-26 plans.
- India’s leadership was lauded, reflecting its commitment to maritime safety, innovation, and global cooperation.
About the International Organisation for Marine Aids to Navigation (IALA)
- International Organisation for Marine Aids to Navigation (IALA) It is the global standard-setting body for Marine Aids to Navigation (AtoN).
- It ensures that physical aids (like lighthouses and buoys) and digital systems (like Vessel Traffic Services) are uniform across the world, which is critical for safe navigation.
- This work is vital as over 90% of global trade is conducted by sea.
- Standardised navigation aids prevent accidents, protect the marine environment, and ensure the smooth flow of commerce.
- IALA was founded in 1957 as a non-governmental organisation (NGO).
- It officially became an Intergovernmental Organisation (IGO) in August 2024, after 34 countries, including India, ratified its new status.
India will host two major IALA events in Mumbai
- 3rd General Assembly in December 2025
- 21st IALA Conference in 2027.
Mission
- IALA’s motto, “Successful Voyages, Sustainable Planet,” reflects its goals of harmonising navigation systems, reducing marine accidents, and promoting environmental protection.
Structure
- The General Assembly meets every four years to set priorities, while the Council (24 members, including India) meets twice a year to make decisions.
- Membership
- IALA includes 80 national authorities and 60 commercial firms among its 200 members.
- India has been a member since 1957 and a Council member since 1980, represented by the Directorate General of Lighthouses and Lightships (DGLL).
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