TMS Awards 2023ViganBühler GmbHPort of StocktonCimbriaVan Aalst
  • Bühler GmbH
  • Vigan
  • IMPA Events
  • Cimbria
  • Port of Stockton
  • TMS Awards 2023

Middle East AtoN course to enhance maritime safety in the Gulf

Middle East AtoN course to enhance maritime safety in the Gulf

(Posted on 17/11/23)

A first of its kind training course for the Middle East has been held to teach mariners about the basic concept of Aids to Navigation (AtoN) after a clear need was identified from potential clients.

Run by Middle East Navigation Services (MENAS) with co-operation with Bahrain Port Maritime Affairs PMA , the Level 3 course was a success, attracting 18 students from nine different entities: Bahrain Ports Maritime Affairs, Bahrain Coast Guard, Bahrain Fisheries, Bahrain Royal Navy, Bahrain Defense Force, Bahrain SLRB, Saudi Aramco, Abu Dhabi Ports Group and Fuhjairah Port. Participants included captains, coast guard personnel working on marine patrols and other personnel involved in marine safety of navigation and AtoN within the GCC region to enhance safety of navigation in Gulf waters and achieve the aspirations of International Maritime Organization safety of navigation.

Covering ‘Aids to Navigation, IALA MBS, Racon, AIS, DGPS & Maritime Safety Information (MSI)’, the L3 course was delivered by MENAS managers who are all certified by IALA (International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities) with the course reflecting the AtoN services in the region. It also serves as a ‘foundation’ model course for potential AtoN technicians enabling them to have a good chance of understanding and passing the formal L2.0 courses in future.

The course was held over two days from 8-9th November at the Gulf Hotel in the Kingdom of Bahrain with opening speeches from both Mr Mahdi Al Mosawi, General Manager, MENAS and the Acting Undersecretary of Ports & Maritime Affairs, Mr Bader Hood Al Mahmoud.

It included a session at MENAS’ headquarters, where candidates had a site visit at MENAS Yard covering the type of AtoN, light intensity room, Racon, MSI and AIS service.

“This was the first course of its kind to be held in the MENA region and it is a great step in enhancing maritime safety in the Gulf, which is one of the busiest trade lanes in the world,” said Mahdi Al Mosawi, General Manager of MENAS, a branch of the International Foundation for Aids to Navigation (IFAN). “We were delighted with the uptake and the feedback from candidates was all extremely positive, and they are all now looking forward to future courses.”

Following the success of the inaugural training course, MENAS now plans to run further courses Aids to Navigation Foundation (Level 3) and technicians/engineers (Level 2) by next year.

Latest News

Thordon Bearings and Wärtsilä launch Blue Ocean Alliance

(Posted on 07/12/23)

In an initiative set to be transformational for ship design while protecting the oceans from pollution... Read more


Bulk carrier design presents decarbonisation challenge

(Posted on 03/12/23)

Ship design, particularly the design of bulk carriers, presents particular challenges when it comes... Read more


VIKING changes the shape of the lifeboat market

(Posted on 26/11/23)

VIKING Life-Saving Equipment, a global leader in maritime safety solutions, is launching an innovative... Read more


Gerdes Green subsidy for Damen Combi Freighter green innovations

(Posted on 26/11/23)

Damen’s client Gerdes Green has received a subsidy from the German Government for the investment... Read more


Wärtsilä and Seaspan transform maritime operations with SmartDock system

(Posted on 13/11/23)

Wärtsilä ANCS, part of technology group Wärtsilä, has delivered to Seaspan, a marine... Read more


Gdansk welcomes Damen ASD Tugs

(Posted on 31/10/23)

The flag raising ceremony for three new ASD Tugs has taken place in Gdansk, Poland. In the presence... Read more


Reducing training risks for crane drivers with state-of-the-art simulator

(Posted on 26/10/23)

A new immersive crane simulator that can recreate high-risk scenarios without putting drivers or other... Read more


New Partnership to Introduce DX11 Smart Termination Technology to the UK

(Posted on 23/10/23)

Vesto Ropes, a global leader in innovative steel wire-rope solutions, has announced a strategic partnership... Read more


Bedeschi awarded new longitudinal storage contract

(Posted on 23/10/23)

Bedeschi S.p.a. has been awarded a contract for the design and supply of a new longitudinal storage... Read more


Methanol-ready: Rhenus equips coastal vessel for the future

(Posted on 18/10/23)

Rhenus Maritime Services (RMS) is adding a new coastal vessel to its fleet in the shape of the RMS Ruhrort... Read more


IMPA EventsGeneva DryTelestackPort of South LouisianaSailors SocietyTBA Group
  • Van Aalst
  • TBA Group
  • Telestack

Subscribe to our newsletter

Keep up to date with the latest global news in bulk cargo handling and shipping