Workshop on Navigation Aids

A Workshop on Navigation Aids (AtoN) AIS (Real and Virtual), New Developments and Uses was held in Seoul from 19 to 21 October 2016, under the direction of the International Maritime Signaling Association (IALA) in cooperation with the South Korean Ministry of the Sea and Fisheries. In the period from 24 to 28 October, the fifth meeting of IALA's Aton Requirements and Management (ARM) Committee was followed. The national representation was assured by CFR Santos Teles and CTEN Dias Marques.

The Workshop on Navigation Aids AIS aimed to make known to all participants the potential and gaps in use, the studies carried out by some members, with regard to the application of this type of aid as well as associated security failures and identify strategies or new investigations to address the identified constraints. The ARM5 Committee, like the previous committees, developed doctrine in the context of the definition of user requirements and management of entities responsible for the maintenance, operation and development of Navigation Aids and Navigation Systems.

During the two events a number of issues were addressed with regard to the safety of navigation and corresponding maritime marking, highlighting the advantages and constraints in the use of AIS Aids, the need for cooperation with the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) in the development of the Aton requirements of S-100 electronic letters, the development of a simple tool for risk analysis and mitigation on a waterway and the definition and possible applications of the new moving aids (Mobile-AtoN).

The next meeting of the ARM Committee is scheduled for the period from 24 to 28 April 2017 in Seattle in the United States of America.