Russia's State Duma ratifies convention on International Organization for Marine Aids to Navigation

MOSCOW. Feb 13 (Interfax) - Russia's State Duma ratified the convention on the International Organization for Marine Aids to Navigation during a meeting on Thursday.

The convention, dated January 27, 2021, was signed in Moscow on January 20, 2022, according to the document.

The convention aims to create a legal framework for the operation of the for the functioning of the International Organization for Marine Aids to Navigation (IOMA) as an intergovernmental organization. This allows the efforts of governments and organizations involved in the regulation, supply, maintenance or operation of marine aids to navigation to be combined to implement the objectives set out in the convention.

The explanatory note indicates that the organization is called upon to promote "safe and efficient shipping through the improvement and harmonization of marine aids to navigation in the interests of the maritime community and the protection of the environment."

IOMA is being created based on the International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities (IALA), which currently does not have the status of an intergovernmental organization and operates in accordance with French law.

The addendum to the convention contains transitional provisions defining the procedure for the termination of the activities of the IALA and the transition to an intergovernmental International Organization for Marine Aids to Navigation, as well as "ensuring the continuity of international efforts to develop, improve and harmonize marine aids to navigation and facilitating the transition to IOMA."