International Organization of Aids to Marine Navigation (IALA)

Why in News?

India is elected to the vice presidency of the International Organization of Aids to Marine Navigation (IALA) in Singapore.

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.

India will host the IALA Council meeting, December 2025 and IALA Conference & General Assembly, September 2027 in Mumbai.

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

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