Experts at work
The IALA committees are at the heart of the association. The IALA Council establishes a committee, when it considers that a subject or a technical matter, relevant to the aims of IALA, needs further study, clarification or discussion. The committees constitute an international community of experts in a particular field, who prepare and review relevant IALA publications in accordance with the IALA quadrennial work programme. They also continuously monitor specific developments; these can influence the guidance offered to the IALA membership and affect decisions made in the provision of aids to navigation. Committee meetings enable all members to share expertise and experiences and keep abreast of developments in their field. They normally meet twice each year at the IALA Headquarters, in Saint Germain en Laye, France. Frequently, the work of different committees can overlap. A Policy Advisory Panel (PAP) has been created to ensure coordination and communication between committees. The PAP comprises of the Chair and Vice-Chair of each committee, as well as key IALA Secretariat staff. PAP normally meets twice a year, soon after a round of committee meetings. It also offers amplifying information on future work of the committees to the IALA Council.