IALA / AISM

IALA / AISM

Maritime Buoyage System


The International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities (IALA) is a non-profit organization founded in 1957 to collect and provide nautical expertise and advice. Its principal work since 1973 has been the implementation of the IALA Maritime Buoyage System. This system replaced some 30 dissimilar buoyage systems in use throughout the world with 2 major systems.


The IALA is primarily known for its buoyage or sea mark systems that are used in the pilotage of vessels at sea:


Lateral Marks.

Cardinal Marks.

Isolated Danger Marks.

Safe Water Marks.

Special Marks.

Marking new dangers.