Visit of the Cameroonian Delegation to IALA

Cameroon’s Visit to IALA: A Strengthened Partnership for Maritime Safety

The Port Authority of Kribi (PAK) took part in a major technical mission conducted by Cameroon to the International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities (IALA) from 17 to 21 January 2022. This strategic visit reflects the country’s determination to build expertise and continuously improve its maritime infrastructure.

A Longstanding Partnership Between Cameroon and IALA

A Member of IALA since 1961, Cameroon is represented by the Port Authority of Douala as the national member. Two additional institutions later joined as associate members:

• the National Port Authority (APN) in 2004,

• the Port Authority of Kribi (PAK) in 2020.

Cameroon has been actively participating in IALA’s General Assemblies, as well as in the ENG (Engineering) and ARM (Aids to Navigation Requirements and Management) Committees.
The country also strongly supported the Change of Status Project, took part in the Credentials Committee during the Diplomatic Conference in Kuala Lumpur, and signed the Final Act.

In October 2021, Cameroon successfully hosted the 3rd African Ports Forum, under the patronage of major national port institutions. Invited to this event, the IALA Secretary-General addressed participants and encouraged African nations to support the new Convention.

On 26 January 2022, Cameroon joined twelve other African States among the 27 signatories of the Convention, becoming a Founding State of the new organisation.

A Technical Mission Focused on Capacity Building

The Cameroonian delegation — composed of representatives of the three member institutions — spent a full week working alongside IALA experts.
Discussions covered several key topics:

• Engineering and sustainability of marine Aids to Navigation (AtoN)

• Risk assessment methodologies

• AIS (Automatic Identification System)

• VTS (Vessel Traffic Services)

• e-Navigation solutions

• International legal frameworks, including implications of SOLAS for AtoN services

IALA expressed its interest in gaining deeper insights into the operational realities of its members, particularly Cameroon, whose experience could greatly benefit the technical committees. Conversely, IALA committed to supporting Cameroon in developing a robust and modern maritime infrastructure.

Both parties delivered presentations. The Cameroonian delegation notably showcased the development of the Kribi Deep Sea Port and its VTS project, while expressing strong interest in IALA’s training and documentation resources, especially the AtoN Manager courses offered through the IALA World-Wide Academy.

A demonstration session using a VTS training simulator was also organised.

Toward Stronger Technical Participation

Following the mission, Cameroon announced the establishment of a National Coordination Group to better prepare for participation in future IALA technical committees.
IALA welcomed this initiative and reaffirmed its support, particularly in building capacity through specialised training programmes.

A Shared Commitment to Modern and Safe Navigation

This visit marks a significant step in strengthening cooperation between Cameroon and IALA. Through continuous training, knowledge sharing and infrastructure modernisation, Cameroon reaffirms its ambition to develop a safe, reliable, and internationally compliant maritime navigation system—while contributing meaningfully to the global aids to navigation community.