One marine association is moving from an NGO to an IGO to have more clout at government level.
The non-profit International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities (IALA), the only technical organisation for marine Aids to Navigation (AtoN), is moving from its current status as a non-governmental organisation (NGO) to an intergovernmental organisation (IGO).
In a new white paper, Sealite explained the advice IALA currently provides to national authorities and the IMO is non-binding with no obligation for them to implement, but the switch to an IGO “is an opportunity for them to be heard at a Government level with formal recognition of their standards within AtoN”.
It added: “IALA’s change in status to an IGO hopes to influence key areas of the world where: Maritime safety is of concern, Government authorities require guidance on best practice, and Good governance and harmonisation are needed.”
Robust legal framework
Sealite anticipates this new status of IALA will provide a robust legal framework for the marine AtoN industry that will ensure transparency and facilitate close cooperation with other intergovernmental organisations and governments worldwide.
Formal recognition of IALA standards will mean that Governments will be expected to meet their obligations under ‘SOLAS Chapter 5 Regulation 13’; keep abreast of the relevant standards that apply; ensure their installed Aids to Navigation meet the requirements; and ensure maritime safety is upheld.