International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities (IALA)

The International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities (IALA) is an organization that works to enhance maritime safety through the standardization of navigation aids, like lighthouses and buoys. Founded in 1957, IALA promotes cooperation among member countries to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of navigational services. It establishes guidelines, shares best practices, and conducts training to ensure that maritime navigation is safe and consistent worldwide. Essentially, IALA helps to protect ships and their crews by making sure that navigational tools are reliable and easy to understand.