The Commissioner of Liberia’s Maritime Authority, Neto Zarzar Lighe, was among 400 global delegates and attendees at the first General Assembly meeting of the International Organization for Marine Aid to Navigation.
Liberia’s presence at the IALA General Assembly Meeting marks an important step in the country’s drive to strengthen collaboration as the world’s largest open ship registry.
The meeting, held in Singapore from February 18-21, 2025, brought together about 400 delegates and attendees from 65 countries; comprising senior government officials and maritime leaders from industry associations and companies.
As per the meeting, 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.
In a keynote address at the opening ceremony, Singapore’s Senior Minister and Coordinating Minister for National Security, Teo Chee Hean, underscored the importance of international cooperation 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.
Minister Chee Hen informed the delegates that his nation has committed $2 million until 2027 to support the capacity-building of member states under an agreement between the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore and IALA.
IALA Secretary-General, Francis Zachariae, delivering remarks at the 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,” he expressed.
According to him the meeting, in turn, will promote greater harmonization 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,” the IALA Secretary-General Zachariae added.
Delegates also reviewed 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 also elected the IALA Council for the next term and set strategic priorities for the organization’s work in the coming years.
However, as part of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the IALA World-Wide Academy (IALA WWA) and MPA, a joint seminar on the VHF Data Exchange System was organized by MPA, IALA WWA, and the Japan Coast Guard. The MoU, which was renewed 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 digitalization and maritime connectivity.
Moreover, in May 2014, the IALA General Assembly adopted a resolution to transition from a non-governmental organization (NGO) to an intergovernmental organization (IGO).
The Convention on the International Organization for Marine Aids to Navigation (“Convention”) was finalized in February 2020 and open for signature to all Member States of the United Nations beginning in 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 an 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 organization has been renamed the International Organization for Marine Aids to Navigation.
Established in 1957, IALA’s transition from a non-governmental organization 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 harmonize 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.