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IALA Council 02, Nice, France

The 2nd Session of the IALA Council was held from 9 to 13 June 2025 in Nice, France, alongside the United Nations Ocean Conference.

The session opened with remarks from IALA President Marcos Almeida and Secretary-General Francis Zachariae. The president then welcomed new councillors from China and Japan and mentioned that formalities for the Secretary-General’s employment highlighted the need for updates to the General Regulations.

The Secretary-General gave important updates including:

  • Membership: 346 total, including 39 Member States.
  • Staffing: 15 full-time employees, with 2 new hires planned (Document Controller & Legal Advisor, Executive Assistant).
  • Headquarters: Plans to relocate to a new building due to capacity constraints; negotiations with France are ongoing.

Updates were given from several countries on VTS initiatives, environmental innovations, heritage projects, and strategic maritime planning.

It was reported that the Policy Advisory Panel discussed IALA’s role in sustainability and autonomous maritime operations (MASS). The Change of Status transition to Intergovernmental Organization (IGO) was nearing completion. The Staff Rules had to undergo several updates approved, including clauses on data protection and Secretary-General nomination requirements. A New Drafting Group was created to establish a policy on co-sponsorship of documents with other IGOs.

The World-Wide Academy reported a record training activity with over 280 trainees in 2024. Also, numerous missions and training were delivered in Iraq, Indonesia, and multiple other countries. The Academy’s recognition was growing as leveraging IGO status for expanded outreach and funding.

The Council noted the 2024 Audited Financial Statements, approved the proposed appropriation of the 2024 result and approved the reappointment of RSM France as Statutory Auditors for the period (2025 to 2027). The Council also expressed its wish to consider a new call for tenders with a view to eventually changing auditors in 2027.

The Council approved the revised 2025 budget and the committee work programme 2025-2027.

The Council noted the committee meetings and events plan and approved the seminar proposal on VTS experience and challenges.

The Council approved the following documents:

G1052, Ed3.2, Quality management system for Marine AtoN service delivery.

G1106, Ed3.0, Producing an IALA S-200 series Product Specifications.

R1005, Ed3.0, Conserving and promoting heritage Marine Aids to Navigation.

G1093, Ed1.2, Management of transfer of surplus lighthouse property.

G1189, Ed1.0, Measurement of marine light performance.

G1190, Ed1.0, on Harmonised IoT protocol for visual AtoN.

G1111, Ed2.1, Establishing functional and performance requirements for the VTS systems equipment.

G1111-1, Ed1.1, Producing requirements for the core VTS system.

G1027, Ed2.0, Simulations in VTS training.

G1128, Ed1.7, Specification of e-Navigation Technical Services.

G1191, Ed1.0, Maritime Service Registry (MSR) Technical Specification.

G1192, Ed1.0, VDES authentication.

G1193, Ed1.0, VDES signal measurement.

The Council noted the report on S-200 PS development and approved the S-200 Ed.2.0.0.

The Council approved the following liaison notes to:

NIPWG on Development of S-125 Marine AtoN PS.

RTCM regarding the 10402.n Standard.

IEC on request regarding redistribution of the S-421 schema.

And on redistribution of SECOM OpenAPI specification.

The Council approved the proposal from ENG to change the selection process of the Heritage Lighthouse.

The Council approved the following membership:

Affiliate Industrial for:

  • Boyas Del Sur, Venezuela
  • Carlier Chaines SA, France
  • Baroda Polyform Private Limited, India

Affiliate for:

  • Dragados y Balizamientos S.A, Argentina

And noted the following changes:

Merger of Membership with effect from 1st January 2025:

  • Trinity House and the Northern Lighthouse Board in the United Kingdom, were integrated into the Member State, led by the United Kingdom Department for Transport. This has resulted in the loss of one member from 1st January 2025.

Change of category from Associate membership to Member State for:

  • Uruguay
  • Russian Federation

Change of category to Associate Affiliate membership for:

  • Plovput Split: following on the ratification of the Convention by Croatia, this organization which used to be a second National member in Croatia as a specific agency, has requested to change its category to Affiliate membership.

The Council noted the resignations from Affiliate Industrial membership for:  

  • Inca Philippines, Philippines
  • Nanhua Electronic, People’s Republic of China
  • MarineLabs Data Systems Inc., Canada
  • IBK Fibertec GmbH, Germany
  • PT Jaya Admiral, Indonesia

The Council noted the update on membership and decided to terminate National membership for:                                                       

  • Direction Générale de la Marine Marchande, Republic of Congo.
  • Sitronic CS, Russia.

The Council approved the following tentative dates and venues for the following sessions:

  • Session 03: 8 to 12 December 2025, Mumbai, India.
  • Session 04: 8 to 12 June 2026, HQ or invitation.
  • Session 05: 7 to 11 December 2026, HQ or invitation.

The report is available at https://www.iala.int/meetings/02-2/

JOINT MEDIA RELEASE

Singapore, 18 February 2025 | For Immediate Release

Singapore Hosts the 1st General Assembly of the International Organization for Marine Aids to Navigation (IALA) as an Inter-Governmental Organization

Singapore is hosting the 1st General Assembly of the International Organization for Marine Aids to Navigation (IALA) from 18 to 21 February 2025. This is IALA’s inaugural General Assembly since becoming an intergovernmental organization (IGO) on 22 August 2024, following the entry into force of the Convention on the International Organization for Marine Aids to Navigation[1].   

Singapore’s Senior Minister and Coordinating Minister for National Security, Mr Teo Chee Hean, delivered the keynote address at the opening ceremony. In his address, Mr Teo highlighted the importance of international co-operation in enhancing navigational safety, and reaffirmed IALA’s role and Singapore’s support of IALA’s mission to foster the safe and efficient movement of vessels for the benefit of the maritime community and the protection of the marine environment.

Established in 1957, IALA’s transition from a non-governmental organisation to an IGO reflects its growing importance in shaping international standards and best practices for safe and efficient navigation. Its status as an IGO strengthens IALA’s mandate to harmonise global maritime navigation systems, promote maritime safety initiatives, and collaborate with its member states, international organizations, and industry stakeholders to address emerging challenges in maritime safety and environmental protection.

Bringing together about 400 delegates and attendees from 65 countries, comprising senior government officials and maritime leaders from industry associations and companies, the General Assembly provides a platform to discuss developments in Aids to Navigation, vessel traffic services, emerging technologies, and governance in emerging areas such as the use of Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships. Delegates will also review progress in capacity-building efforts and technical cooperation to support the implementation of modern Aids to Navigation solutions, particularly in developing maritime nations. The General Assembly will also be electing the IALA Council for the next term and will set strategic priorities for the organization’s work in the coming years.

IALA Secretary-General, Mr Francis Zachariae, who delivered remarks at the Opening Ceremony, said: “I am deeply grateful to Singapore for elevating this first General Assembly to such a prestigious level. The transition to an intergovernmental organization will enable IALA to collaborate more effectively with governments and other intergovernmental organizations. Most importantly, it will strengthen IALA’s role as the leading international technical authority in its field, significantly enhancing global recognition of its work and the standards it seeks to establish. This, in turn, will promote greater harmonisation of Marine Aids to Navigation and related services worldwide. The continued strong participation of our industrial members will ensure that the vital connection between aids to navigation authorities and service providers remains intact, preserving the high quality and integrity of our work.”

As part of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between IALA World-Wide Academy (IALA WWA) and MPA, a joint seminar on VHF Data Exchange System was organised by MPA, IALA WWA, and the Japan Coast Guard.  The MoU, renewed for the period from 2024 to 2027, underscores Singapore’s continued commitment to support capacity-building initiatives that enhance global maritime safety. The IALA WWA also held a seminar on the safety of navigation, focusing on key advancements in digitalisation and maritime connectivity.

<End of Release>

About the International Organization for Marine Aids to Navigation (IALA)

Founded in 1957, IALA brings together Marine Aids to Navigation authorities, manufacturers, consultants, and scientific and training organizations from around the world. Its mission is to harmonize Marine Aids to Navigation worldwide and ensure that the movement of vessels is safe expeditious and cost-effective while protecting the marine environment.

About the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA)

MPA was established on 2 February 1996 with the mission to develop Singapore as a premier global hub port and international maritime centre, and to advance and safeguard Singapore’s strategic maritime interests. MPA is the driving force behind Singapore’s maritime and port development, taking on the roles of maritime and port regulator and planner, international maritime centre champion, national maritime representative, and a champion of digitalisation and decarbonisation efforts at regional and international fora such as at the International Maritime Organization and the International Organization for Marine Aids to Navigation. MPA partners industry, research community and other agencies to enhance safety, security, and environmental protection, facilitate maritime and port operations and growth, expand multi-domain capabilities, and support the cluster of maritime ancillary services and manpower development. MPA is responsible for the overall development and growth of the maritime multi-domain and the Port of Singapore.

For more information, please visit www.mpa.gov.sg/

For media enquiries, please contact:

Audrey Guinault

Communication Officer, International Organization for Marine Aids to Navigation

Email: agu@iala.int

Alif Sutrisno Kasmuri

Corporate Communications, Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore

Email: Media_enquiries@mpa.gov.sg


[1] In May 2014, the IALA General Assembly adopted a resolution to transit from a non-governmental organisation (NGO) to an inter-governmental organisation (IGO). The Convention on the International Organization for Marine Aids to Navigation (“Convention”) was finalised in February 2020 and was open for signature to all member States of the United Nations from November 2020. Having met the minimum requirement of 30 ratifications, the former International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities officially changed its status from a NGO to an IGO on 22 August 2020 (i.e. 90 days after the date of deposit of the 30th instrument of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession). Following the change in status, the organisation has been renamed the International Organization for Marine Aids to Navigation.

IALA WWA Academy
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