Welcome to MENAS

The Middle East Gulf region's leading innovator in the supply and maintenance of Aids to Navigation

The Middle East Navigation Aids Service (MENAS) is a subsidiary of the International Foundation for Aids to Navigation (IFAN). It owns and maintains an extensive network of buoys, lighthouses and Racons, mostly located in remote areas more than 12 nautical miles from the shore, and generally in hazardous areas such as narrow waterways leading to main ports in the Middle East Gulf region.

Supporting safety in the Middle East Gulf

The Middle East Gulf is one of the world’s busiest trade lanes, servicing the global oil and products markets. Maintaining safe navigation in the area is of utmost importance. MENAS provides a service of buoys fitted with AtoN satellite based monitoring system for the health of the AtoN equipment and with automatic identification system (AIS) transponders to not only track the location of the buoy but to monitor passing traffic conditions and carry out risk assessments.

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Key services to shipping

Aids to Navigation (AtoN)

MENAS owns and maintains an extensive network of navigation beacons, buoys and lighthouses for safe navigation of vessels in the region.

MSI Services

MENAS provides MSI services which cover four essential activities: 1) Regional Navigational Warnings
2) Notice to Mariners (NTM)
3 ) Weather Forecast Bulletins 4) Weekly Navtex Bulletins

Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS)

Since 1997, MENAS continues to operate a free-to-air differential global positioning system (DGPS) for the region which assists safe navigation.

AtoN Risk Assessment Service (RAS)

MENAS uses two IALA risk assessment tools, including other marine publications to study and calculate the probability of collision or grounding. This service is also provided commercially upon request.

Training

MENAS delivers accredited Aids to Navigation (AtoN) training courses according to IALA WWA modules designed to improve AtoN level of service.

Latest News

MENAS welcomes Rear Admiral John Clink CBE as Chair of IFAN

The Middle East Navigation Aids Service (MENAS) is pleased to welcome Rear Admiral John Clink CBE as the new Chair of the International Foundation for Aids to Navigation (IFAN), MENAS’ parent organisation, effective 1 October 2026. John has served on the IFAN Board since September 2025 and brings extensive maritime, leadership and governance experience to […]

2027 Science Without Borders Challenge (Horizontal LinkedIn)

International Student Art Contest Invites Young Artists to “Navigate with Care”

The #NavigateWithCare campaign is reaching a new generation. MENAS is pleased to support the latest chapter of Navigate with Care, the joint initiative developed by our parent organisation, the International Foundation for Aids to Navigation (IFAN), and the Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation to promote safer and more environmentally responsible navigation. Last year, MENAS […]

MENAS/IFAN recognised for health and safety excellence at the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA)’s 70th anniversary awards

MENAS, based in the Kingdom of Bahrain, has received a prestigious RoSPA Award, demonstrating their commitment to the highest standards in accident prevention. For the third consecutive year, MENAS/IFAN won a Gold Award in the Occupational Achievement Sector, demonstrating its dedication to keeping staff, customers, clients and contractors safe at work. Operating in some of […]