In a significant milestone for the MENA region, the Middle East Navigation Aids Service, in collaboration with the International Organization for Marine Aids to Navigation and Trinity House, has successfully delivered the Kingdom of Bahrain’s first accredited IALA Level 1 Aids to Navigation Manager training course.
The six week course, held from 4 January to 12 February 2026, combined online learning with in person practical training at the MENAS Training Centre in Manama. The closing ceremony took place at the Intercontinental Hotel in the presence of senior national and international representatives.
Building Capacities for Safe Navigation Based on International Standards
The IALA Level 1 course is designed to equip Aids to Navigation managers with the knowledge and skills required to manage AtoN departments in accordance with International Organization for Marine Aids to Navigation standards and international maritime obligations.
The programme followed IALA Recommendation R0141 and the IALA Model Course L1.1 and covered all core aspects of AtoN management, including planning, risk assessment, provision, maintenance, environmental responsibility, funding models, and compliance with international obligations.
The course was structured in three modules:
- Module 1 and 2, delivered online over five weeks, focused on foundational knowledge, technical systems, Automatic Identification Systems, remote monitoring, e navigation, power supply systems, Vessel Traffic Services principles, and the marine environment.
- Module 3, delivered in person at MENAS headquarters in Bahrain, concentrated on the role of the Competent Authority, Levels of Service statements, contractual procedures, marine AtoN management, and a final group planning exercise simulating the delivery of a compliant national AtoN service.
Participants were required to complete written examinations and practical assessments and achieve a minimum score of 50 percent in all activities to obtain the Level 1.1 qualification.
Regional and International Participation
The course was attended by 12 participants from six countries: Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Libya, Iraq, and Uganda, the latter representing the Maritime Organisation for Eastern, Southern and Northern Africa. This diverse participation reflects MENAS’ growing role as a regional centre of excellence for maritime training and capacity development.
The closing ceremony was attended by His Excellency Mr Bader Hood Al Mahmood, Undersecretary for Ports and Maritime Affairs at the Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications, a delegation from the Marine Department, the CEO of the International Foundation for Aids to Navigation Ms Catherine Mulvihill, MENAS General Manager Mr Mahdi Al Mosawi, and representatives from the International Organization for Marine Aids to Navigation World Wide Academy and Trinity House.
Ms Catherine Mulvihill, Chief Executive Officer of IFAN and MENAS, said:
“This first IALA Level 1 course in the region reflects the strength of our partnerships and our shared commitment to safe navigation. Through MENAS, we are providing essential services and building long term capacity for countries across the Middle East and beyond. By working closely with IALA, Trinity House, and national maritime authorities, we are helping ensure that Aids to Navigation services are delivered to the highest international standards to protect vessels, lives, cargo and, of course, our shared ocean.”
Mr Mahdi Al Mosawi, General Manager of MENAS, also highlighted:
“Successfully delivering the IALA Level 1 methodology at this advanced level in our region is an important achievement. It demonstrates that MENAS is not only maintaining high operational standards, but also expanding its capacity development portfolio. This course signals a new step in strengthening professional expertise and supporting Competent Authorities to implement and adapt to national contexts internationally compliant Aids to Navigation services.”
Strengthening the Future of Aids to Navigation in the Region
This inaugural Level 1 course builds on MENAS’ previous success in delivering Level 2 technical training and reinforces institutional commitments to supporting Authorities and service providers across the region.
By investing in the professional development of AtoN managers, MENAS is contributing directly to safer navigation, stronger regulatory compliance, and the protection of the marine environment.
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About the Middle East Navigation Aids Service
The Middle East Navigation Aids Service (MENAS) is the leading provider of Aids to Navigation (AtoN) services in the Middle East Gulf, supporting safe and efficient maritime operations across the region. With over a century of experience, MENAS designs, delivers, and maintains critical navigation infrastructure, including buoys, lighthouses, racons, Automatic Identification System (AIS) and Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS) sites, alongside essential maritime information services such as Notices to Mariners and navigation warnings. Operating from Bahrain and Abu Dhabi, MENAS supports more than 2,000 vessels each month. As the regional operations arm of the International Foundation for Aids to Navigation (IFAN), MENAS contributes to safer shipping, reduced environmental risk, and the protection of marine ecosystems through high-quality, internationally recognized navigation services.
.About the International Foundation for Aids to Navigation
The International Foundation for Aids to Navigation (IFAN) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing maritime safety, protecting marine ecosystems, and strengthening global navigation capabilities. IFAN ensures safer and more efficient shipping routes while minimizing environmental risks by supporting projects focused on enhancing Aids to Navigation (AtoNs) frameworks, developing technical expertise, and providing AtoN infrastructure. Through strategic partnerships, funding, and technical expertise, IFAN plays a pivotal role in securing safe, sustainable global waterways and safeguarding the world’s ocean for future generations.