The new normal for coastal states

Abstract

Safe and efficient maritime transportation is vital to both economic and environmental sustainability. Marine Aids to Navigation (AtoN) are key to helping all types of vessel navigate safely and efficiently and Governments have an international obligation under the IMO Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Convention to provide them in accordance with the volume of traffic and degree of risk. The aim of IALA is to foster the safe, economic, and efficient movement of vessels, through improvement and harmonisation of AtoN worldwide, for the benefit of the maritime community and the protection of the environment. This aim can be achieved through coastal States implementing the IALA standards to create an effective network of aids to navigation that both enhance the safety of navigation and the efficient movement of vessels. The IALA standards provide a framework for harmonization, supported by a suite of guidance documents providing options, suggestions, and best practices as to how AtoN may be implemented for maximum effectiveness. The IALA World-Wide Academy, through its strategy of enlightenment, education and engagement can assist coastal States in the implementation of the IALA standards and compliance with the SOLAS Convention through a range of activities designed to increase national operational and technical capability. The new normal for coastal States includes new types of risk as marine navigation becomes more digitized and ships become more automatized, remotely operated and even autonomous. This development requires coastal States to be proactive and well prepared for what the future will bring.