Ireland has secured a seat on the Council of IALA, the International Organization for Marine Aids to Navigation, following its ratification of the IALA Convention in May 2023. This move signifies Ireland’s commitment to global maritime safety and cooperation in shaping the future of navigation standards. The election took place during IALA’s inaugural General Assembly in Singapore on February 20, 2025, with Yvonne Shields O’Connor, Chief Executive of the Commissioners of Irish Lights, representing Ireland on the Council.
As a member of the IALA Council and its technical committees, Ireland will have a significant role in shaping global maritime navigation standards. This includes advancements in marine aids to navigation, digitalization, climate adaptation, navigation risk assessment, and harmonization of safety standards. Irish Lights, in partnership with the Department of Transport, will prioritize Aids to Navigation (AtoN) for maritime safety, Marine Spatial Planning, and environmental protection.
Ireland’s focus on the IALA Council will revolve around key strategic areas crucial for the future of maritime navigation. This involves addressing the impact of climate change on maritime operations by ensuring adaptability and resilience in the AtoN Network, advancing the agenda at the 2027 World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-27) on global maritime communications, and collaborating with the International Hydrographic Organization to implement the S-100 Universal Hydrographic Data Model for digital navigation services.
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