20th IALA Conference Conclusions
The very intense week of 120 presentations during the technical sessions resulted in the following conclusions:
- Sustainability and its link to the UN SDGs is of increasing importance and IALA is duty bound to raise the profile of this area in the committees. Members should continue to innovate sustainable approaches by recognizing, developing and reviewing the whole lifecycle of AtoN services.
- In addition to GNSS, various space and terrestrial technologies are able to provide PNT and integrity information to the maritime user. IALA should continue to facilitate collaboration and standardisation taking a holistic approach to achieve resilient PNT.
- To achieve digital transformation in the S-100 domain, the importance of collaboration and continued dialogue between IHO, IALA and other domain controllers is necessary. IALA should stand ready to assist coastal authorities with their transition to S-100 related products.
- Autonomy is a driver to leverage the development of digital products. AtoN has a role in support of autonomous vessels and technology needs to be standardized to meet the future requirements of all vessels.
- The IALA Risk Toolbox has proven benefits for members but should be enhanced to cover all ships on all voyages. The IALA Toolbox forms an essential part of assessment of risk and their mitigation requirements. Simulation techniques provide for a comprehensive assessment of mitigation measures.
- IALA should encourage members to collaborate and have proper structures and procedures in place in order to prevent, identify, deal with and recover effectively from cyber security events. IALA has a role in supporting dissemination of lessons learnt in order to increase resilience against these threats.
- VTS technology needs to take into account human factors with increased digitalization, including AI in VTS.
- IALA acknowledges that virtual tools and the use of e-learning contributes to flexible, efficient and sustainable training. In addition, IALA recognizes its role in promoting the use of language testing tools to improve the communication capabilities of VTS operators.
- Physical AtoN remains important to the mariner. IALA members should continue to pursue emerging technologies and approaches such as big data analytics, Internet of Things (IoT), machine vision technology and drones to make their services more effective and meet the future needs of the mariner.