Singapore Declaration to advance global maritime navigational safety adopted at inaugural assembly
Source: Straits Times
Article Date: 20 Feb 2025
Author: Esther Loi
About 400 people from 65 countries attended the general assembly, which provides members with a platform to discuss developments in marine navigational aids and review progress in technical cooperation.
A declaration to strengthen international collaboration for the development of maritime navigational aids was adopted at the inaugural general assembly for the International Organisation for Marine Aids to Navigation (IALA), held in Singapore on Feb 18.
This is the first time the event is taking place since IALA, which harmonises global maritime navigation systems, became an intergovernmental organisation in August 2024.
It was previously a non-governmental organisation known as the International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities.
About 400 people from 65 countries attended the general assembly, which provides members with a platform to discuss developments in marine navigational aids and review progress in technical cooperation.
Addressing attendees at Suntec Singapore Convention and Exhibition Centre, Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean, who is also Coordinating Minister for National Security, said the declaration “reflects our collective commitment to international cooperation”.
“(It) is particularly welcome at a time when we all need to demonstrate that multilateralism brings important benefits to the global community... which is shared by all of us in common,” he said.
The document, dubbed the Singapore Declaration, emphasises IALA’s strengthened collaboration with other organisations to foster strong international relationships.
It also highlights the organisation’s role in the maritime domain by advancing the development, digitalisation, decarbonisation and adoption of a global network of sustainable and efficient marine aids to navigation.
The declaration also aims to provide support for member states to build their capacities in marine navigational aids, which include lighthouses, buoys and fog signals.
SM Teo added that Singapore recognises the critical contribution that IALA makes to the maritime global order by ensuring that vessel navigation remains safe, expeditious, cost-effective and sustainable.
Noting that the Republic will support IALA’s various committees in their development of relevant standards, he said Singapore will continue to do its part to co-develop new curricula for the IALA Worldwide Academy.
He added that the nation has committed $2 million until 2027 to support capacity-building of member states under an agreement between the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore and IALA.
The agreement was first signed in 2018 and renewed from 2024 to 2027.
“Through these collaborations among member states, industry and the research community, I am confident that IALA will continue to live up to its motto of ‘successful voyages and a sustainable planet’,” said SM Teo.
IALA president Marcos Almeida said there is a need for more formal international cooperation given the evolution of technology, as there is more demand for information exchange, connectivity and artificial intelligence, which leads to automation and digitalisation.
Established in 1957, IALA develops standards, recommendations and guidelines on marine aids to navigation, vessel traffic services and e-navigation.
Source: The Straits Times © SPH Media Limited. Permission required for reproduction.
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