Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) successfully hosted another IALA Level 1.1 Aids to Navigation Manager training course for six participants from Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa and The Gambia. The course was held in Cape Town from 22 July to 16 August 2019.
The Level 1.1 Aids to Navigation (AtoN) Manager training was developed by IALA, the International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities. IALA is the only international body concerned with the provision of AtoNs at sea and on inland waterways, and its recommendations and standards are accepted and implemented all over the world, including South Africa.
The training targeted those who fulfil the role of AtoN Managers in the Competent Authorities of Coastal States or their AtoN service providers. The three-module course aimed to enable participants to gain an internationally recognised Aids to Navigation Certificate as an AtoN Manager, with competencies including technical functions of visual, radio and audible AtoN, Vessel Traffic Services, AtoN provision, design and maintenance, contracts, environmental matters and human resource issues.
The theoretical training was delivered by David Gordon, Executive Manager: Lighthouse and Navigational Systems, and Gerardine Delanoye, Capacity Building and Resources Manager: IALA World-Wide Academy, together with TNPA-endorsed experts.
The training included technical visits to the historical Green Point Lighthouse, South African Navy Hydrographic Office (SANHO), STC-Southern Africa, the South African Maritime Safety Authority’s Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (SAMSA MRCC), South Africa Maritime Training Academy (SAMTRA) and the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR).
TNPA first hosted the Level 1.1 AtoN Manager training in 2018 for students from South Africa, Namibia, Ghana, Kenya and Madagascar. “South Africa is recognised as the centre of excellence in Africa with regard to AtoNs, and will continue to host this important training to achieve competence and compliance on the African continent,” said David Gordon. TNPA is hoping to add the Level 2 Aids to Navigation Technician Course to its training for 2020/21.
