Founded in 1957, the International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities (IALA) is a non-profit organization that provides technical guidance to the maritime-port community through the creation of a series of committees that bring together experts from around the world.

Thus, during its 13th session, the IALA General Assembly decided to establish July 1st as World Day of Maritime Navigational Aids, considering that this is the date of IALA’s founding.

This day was first celebrated in 2019, in accordance with Resolution A13-04.

IALA’s main objective is to promote its work by raising greater awareness within the maritime community about the significant contribution of Marine Aids to Navigation (AtoN) worldwide, as they ensure that vessel movements are safe, efficient, and cost-effective, minimizing the risk of accidents while also contributing to the preservation of the aquatic environment.

Although not confirmed, some sources claim that the first official navigational aid was installed on the island of Cuba around the year 1764.

For more information, see the following links:

IALA WEBSITE
https://www.iala-aism.org/

INTERNATIONAL DICTIONARY OF AIDS TO NAVIGATION
https://www.iala-aism.org/wiki/dictionary/index.php/Chapter_Index