Change of status After more than ten years of effort and four diplomatic conferences we were able to announce on 22 August that we had arrived at the change of status from a non-governmental organization (NGO) to an intergovernmental organization (IGO). This represented a significant victory for multilateralism and ocean governance, marking an important step […]
The inspection ship Poul Løwenørn has been fitted with equipment that allows the vessel to receive and transmit data via VDES (VHF Data Exchange System) and LTE (Long-Term Evolution) networks. This installation is part of a project aimed at developing and testing safer communication services for ships. Secure communication systems and equipment play a crucial […]
Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), including GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and Beidou, are essential positioning systems for today’s maritime navigation. However, GNSS systems are vulnerable to jamming and spoofing, which can have serious consequences for maritime operations. The Baltic Sea is a vital area for international trade, with thousands of ships navigating its waters annually. The […]
The Faroe Maritime Authority (FMA) has operated in its current capacity since 2002. Before this, maritime regulation in the Faroe Islands was under Danish jurisdiction and was managed by various entities in the Faroe Islands, often in collaboration with Danish authorities. The Faroe Maritime Authority is responsible for the safety and regulation of maritime activities […]
The Japan Coast Guard and the Northern Lighthouse Board reported at Council 80 at the end of June that they have been cooperating on a joint endeavour to establish a twinning arrangement between lights in Japan and Scotland. Japan and Scotland have a proud shared heritage through the Stevenson family. The Stevensons were Engineers to […]
The date of 1 September marked the sesquicentennial anniversary of the Cabo Santa María Lighthouse, one of the 12 existing in Uruguay and which is part of the 450 aids to navigation operated by the National Navy. On 12 October, 1870, the Government granted the concession to the company Faros del Río de la Plata […]
Over the last ~20 years, the internet became part of our daily lives; used to access bank accounts and pay our parking tickets. As we began to send more of our personal data over the internet, we all became aware of the need to secure the data we send and receive; whether by looking for […]
In a significant development for global maritime safety and security, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is set to expand its Vessel Traffic Management System (VTMS) capabilities with the addition of ten new VTMS centers. This expansion is facilitated by a collaborative effort with the United States, leveraging technical expertise and cutting-edge solutions to enhance the […]
Casquets Lighthouse was built in 1724 upon the dangerous ‘Rocks called the Casketts’ off Alderney in the English Channel after shipowners petitioned the proprietor of the rocks. Trinity House granted Thomas Le Cocq, the proprietor of the dangerous rocks, a lease to build a lighthouse on 3 June 1723, with the requirement that a light […]
The 126th anniversary of Great Fish Point Lighthouse, the Eastern Cape’s fifth oldest lighthouse was marked on 1 July. The occasion coincided with World Marine Aids to Navigation Day, which is observed annually on 1 July. Great Fish Point Lighthouse is situated 25 kilometres east of Port Alfred, on a ridge at 85 metres above […]
A huge round of applause is due for the city of Genoa, the Italian Coast Guard, and the Italian Navy for hosting a remarkable World Marine Aids to Navigation Day celebration! This two-day event, which took place amidst the stunning maritime backdrop of Italy, brought together nearly 80 participants from across the globe for a […]
The 6th World Marine Aids to Navigation Day was celebrated on July 3rd at the SEAMARQ Hotel in Gangneung, Republic of Korea. The ceremony, themed “Spread the value of lighthouse culture to connect time and space,” was attended by notable figures such as the Vice Minister of Oceans and Fisheries, the Vice Governor of Gangwon […]
IFAN supports UNESCO and IALA IFAN and the UNESCO IOC have provided invaluable support for the inclusion of Ocean literacy modules in IALA’s training programme for Marine Aids to Navigation (AtoN) managers. The project will give AtoN management students the opportunity to learn more about issues such as marine conservation and navigational risk management, and […]
The Bulgarian Ports Infrastructure Company (BPI Co.) is the managing body of Bulgarian public transport ports and provides vessel traffic and shipping information services. Some of the main activities of BPI Co. are: BPI Co. has built up one of the most up-to-date vessel traffic management and information systems: a base for integrated port electronic […]
I have the pleasure to inform you that the 30 instruments of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession to the Convention on the International Organization for Marine Aids to Navigation have been received. The Convention will enter into force on 22 August 2024. Our passage has taken us to a waypoint indicating the respect that the […]
On 15 March this year, Duncansby Head Lighthouse, situated in Caithness, Scotland, celebrated its 100th anniversary. The lighthouse was engineered by David Alan Stevenson and the light first shone out across the Pentland Firth on 15 March 1924. To mark the centenary, the local community including the John O’Groats Development Trust, John O’Groats Book Festival, […]
Great Lighthouses of Ireland is a collaborative tourism initiative developed by the Commissioners of Irish Lights in recognition of the need to protect its Aids to Navigation heritage and enable the development of sustainable tourism in coastal locations in Ireland. The initiative facilitates the innovative use of lighthouse heritage, with a mix of visitors’ centres, […]
Port of Açu is the largest deep-water and private industrial port complex in Latin America. Located in the north of Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil, Açu is a young port focused on sustainable growth. In operation since 2014, it currently has twenty-two companies installed and eleven private terminals. The port’s future industrialization includes expanding mining […]
Lighthouses stand as steadfast sentinels along the Philippines’ extensive coastline, guiding mariners through treacherous waters and safely to port. With a maritime heritage as rich as its archipelagic landscape, the Philippines boasts a network of vital aids to navigation that includes these iconic beacons of light. Utilizing the Solar Energy Utilizing solar energy as their […]
Safe Horizons – Women Shaping the Future of Maritime Safety The IMO celebrated the International Women in Maritime Day 2024 with the compelling theme Safe Horizons: Women Shaping the Future of Maritime Safety. This day, observed annually on 18 May, is dedicated to recognizing and promoting the significant contributions of women in the maritime industry, […]
