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Picture Courtesy: PIB

Context:

India, as the Vice President of the International Organization for Marine Aids to Navigation (IALA), participated in the 2nd Session of the IALA Council held in Nice, France.

International Organization 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.
• Standardized navigation aids prevent accidents, protect the marine environment, and ensure the smooth flow of commerce.

IALA was founded in 1957 as a non-governmental organization (NGO). It officially became an Intergovernmental Organization (IGO) in August 2024, after 34 countries, including India, ratified its new status.

Mission => IALA’s motto, “Successful Voyages, Sustainable Planet,” reflects its goals of harmonizing 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).

Source: 

PIB