📘 What Is IALA?

International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities

Founded in 1957, IALA is the global authority that standardizes the design, performance, and functionality of marine aids to navigation—such as marine lanterns, buoys, radar reflectors, AIS systems, and solar-powered navigation equipment.

Headquartered in France, the organization works in coordination with other maritime authorities, including the IMO (International Maritime Organization), and publishes internationally recognized technical guidelines.

What Do IALA Standards Cover?

IALA defines the technical characteristics of both physical and electronic aids to navigation.
Key categories include:

Thanks to these standards, a captain who sees a green light in the Indian Ocean knows exactly what it signifies when encountering the same signal in the Mediterranean. This minimizes the risk of accidents and ensures global consistency.

How Are SonarSea Products Aligned With IALA Standards?

SonarSea designs and manufactures all products in accordance with IALA technical guidelines. This commitment provides major advantages for port authorities, government agencies, offshore energy companies, and industrial operators.

LN Series Marine Lanterns

·         The optical systems are designed in full compliance with the performance requirements and testing standards defined by IALA, and have successfully passed comprehensive performance tests.

·         Color chromaticity values are verified according to IALA specifications, ensuring high-efficiency and consistent light output.

·         The lens structure and optical design are optimized to meet IALA visibility and luminous intensity criteria.

·         Solar-powered versions automatically adapt to day/night conditions through integrated sensors, maximizing energy efficiency and reducing maintenance requirements.

·         GPS synchronization enables multiple lanterns to flash simultaneously.

·         With the optional GSM module, remote monitoring and management are available through our IoT Platform. Device status, battery voltage, and system health data can be tracked in real time.

Buoy Systems

• Manufactured according to Region A system (Europe, Asia, Africa) shape and color codes
• UV-resistant polymer or composite bodies designed for long-term marine exposure
• Tested according to IALA 1094 / 1099 / 1066 / E-107 structural and buoyancy guidelines

IALA Compliance Is Not Just Quality — It Is a Strategic Advantage

Project Qualification

• Port upgrades, marina construction, and offshore energy projects frequently specify “IALA compliant system” in their tender documents
• SonarSea’s adherence to IALA guidelines ensures direct technical conformity

Risk Reduction & Certification

• IALA-compliant systems integrate more easily with solutions approved by classification societies

How to Verify IALA Compliance

Technical indicators that confirm a product is IALA compliant include:

• Light characteristic notation: e.g., “Fl(3) W 10s” → group of 3 white flashes every 10 seconds
• IALA color coding: Red – Green – Yellow – White compliance
• Documentation: References to IALA technical guidelines such as E200-1, E200-2, E200-3, G1065
• Manufacturer declaration and test reports

SonarSea provides all compliance indicators clearly in its product technical catalogues.

Choose the Right IALA-Compliant System for Your Project

For ports, government infrastructure, and offshore platforms, starting with the correct standard is one of the most effective investments in both safety and long-term operational sustainability.