17 Jun 2021

Council 73

The 73^rd session of the IALA Council was held by video conference from 8 to 10 June 2021. The Council proceeded in a good spirit although the pandemic was still very much present in everyone’mind. Business went as usual with activity reports from the Secretary-General, the deputy Secretary-General, the Dean and 7 members who submitted National Matters. Information about the progress on the change of status and a provisional timeline for the planning of the future steps was provided.

Since the IALA Heritage Lighthouse of the Year Award was established in 2019, the Engineering committee reviewed a high number of nominations submitted, emphasising the variety and cultural value of lighthouses around the world. In total, 29 nominations from 18 member countries were received for consideration. The Council decided to award Cape Byron lighthouse, Australia the title of IALA Heritage Lighthouse of the Year 2021.

The Council approved three recommendations and nine guidelines, and one workshop as well as the extended committee work programme for 2018-2023. 

New and revised recommendations:

• R0143 – Provision of Virtual Aids to Navigation (O-143)
• R1022 – Provision of GNSS Augmentation Service for Maritime Application
• R0110 – Rhythmic Characters of Lights on Aids to Navigation (E-110)

New and revised guidelines:

• G1081 – Provision of Virtual Aids to Navigation
• G1143 – Unique Identifiers for Maritime Resources
• G1159 – Ship Reporting from a shore-based perspective
• G1134 – Surface Colours used as Visual Signals on AtoN
• G1160 – Competencies for planning and implementing a VTS
• G1141 – Operational procedure for delivering VTS
• G1132 – VTS Voice Communications and Phraseology
• G1017 – Assessment for Recognition of Prior Learning in VTS Training
• G1161 – Evaluation of Platforms for the Provision of Maritime Services in the Context of e-Navigation

View the webinar on New guidance documents organized on 17 June 2021 at 12:00 UTC.