IALA Events

Marine Aids to Navigation in the Autonomous world

Workshop description

Rapid development of autonomous technologies in general has resulted in numerous projects, studies and testbeds on maritime autonomous surface ships (MASS) being conducted or planned world-wide. In fact, several scientific autonomous vehicles are already operating at sea and the IMO has initiated a regulatory scoping exercise in order to study how the impact of MASS will affect regulatory instruments. Other international bodies have also started their studies on MASS. Responding to this development, IALA, together with Japan Coast Guard, will host a virtual workshop titled Marine Aids to Navigation in the Autonomous World, starting with a kick-off meeting on 20 May and continuing with technical sessions from 24 to 28 May, 2021.

What is it about?

The workshop will focus on on-going developments within autonomous technologies that may have an impact on marine aids to navigation including VTS with regard to MASS. This will include a range of topics, such as:

  • AtoN/VTS requirements;
  • AtoN/VTS operations;
  • Technologies, and;
  • Regulations

How will we do it?

The workshop will consist of presentations from a range of expert speakers covering topics of MASS including plans, technologies and other transport sectors and the general sharing of views and opinions. Following this, workshop sessions will be held by two working groups:

  • present & near future MASS, and;
  • future & long term MASS with AtoN, VTS and other experts

What will we achieve?

The objective of the workshop is to discuss and exchange experiences on how emergence of MASS can affect Marine AtoN services including VTS in their area of responsibility and to propose a roadmap of future IALA activities.

Who should attend?

The workshop will provide a forum for discussion between different stakeholders which may include IALA national, industrial and associate members and sister organisations of all IALA Committees. The maximum number of attendees is 60.

Where will it take place?

The workshop will be held virtually with Microsoft Teams as a platform. The working language for the workshop will be English.

How can I join and how much does it cost?

Participation is free of charge which includes all workshop sessions and access to related material. Registration is mandatory and should be made before 19 May 2021.

Please register on-line here