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The Union Minister of Shipping, Road Transport and Highways, Thiru T.R. Baalu today said that it would be the Government's endeavor to provide a marine visual aid at every thirty nautical miles along the coast of India so as to ensure seamless movement of marine traffic. He was speaking at the inauguration of 35th Session of International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities (IALA) Council, here. This is the first time that India is hosting the event.
Speaking on the occasion, Thiru Baalu said all major ports of India and some minor ports have become International Ship and Port Security (ISPS) Code compliant. To implement ISPS Code in an effective manner, National Automatic Identification System (AIS) network will also be established along the coastline of India, he informed.
On this occasion, the Minister also released a book titled 'Lighthouses of India'. Congratulating the Director General of Lighthouses and Lightships for bringing out the book, he said, "I am sure the book will be of great interest to students of nautical sciences and marine engineering, as well as marine navigation experts".
IALA, a non-Governmental Association, brings together services and organisations concerned with the provision or maintenance of marine aids to navigation systems and allied activities. The aim of the IALA is to foster safe, economic and expeditious movement of vessels, through improvement and harmonization of aids to navigation worldwide for the benefit of maritime community and protection of environment. The Association was constituted in 1957 and ever since, India is a member of the Association. The Headquarter of the IALA is in Paris, France. Over 100 countries are members of the Association. The Council during its sessions formulates various guidelines, standards and recommendations for implementation by the member countries in order to provide for safe and expeditious movement of vessels across the globe. Twenty countries, including India, are participating in the present Session.
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