SINGAPORE – Singapore secured a position on the council of the International Organisation for Marine Aids to Navigation (IALA) for the term 2025-2027 during the organization's inaugural general assembly held on Thursday.

Singapore's election reinforces its commitment to advancing maritime navigation safety and standards. The nation has been an active participant in IALA, serving as a national member since 1972 and as a council member since 2018. IALA, recently transitioned from a non-governmental organization (formerly the International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities) to an intergovernmental body in August 2024, plays a crucial role in developing global standards and guidelines for marine aids to navigation, vessel traffic services, and e-navigation.

The Ministry of Transport highlighted that this council seat will enable Singapore to further enhance its collaboration with IALA and its member states. Key areas of focus include the approval of technical standards for harmonizing marine aids to navigation, encompassing crucial infrastructure like lighthouses, buoys, and fog signals, as well as the cultivation of international partnerships.

A significant outcome of the general assembly's first day, February 18, was the adoption of the "Singapore Declaration." This declaration signifies a commitment to bolstering formal international cooperation in the development of maritime navigational aids. Furthermore, it aims to provide crucial support to member states in building their capacities in this specialized field.

Singapore's dedication to capacity building within the maritime navigation sector is evident through its ongoing collaboration with the IALA World-Wide Academy. A formal agreement is in place for Singapore to fund and support capacity building and human resource development initiatives for IALA members, ensuring the continued advancement of expertise in marine aids to navigation.