This training is intended for those responsible for the operational management and implementation of Aids to Navigation (AtoN) services. Candidates may be employed by competent authorities charged with the provision of AtoN services as well as port authorities.

Aims and Objectives

To form AtoN Managers in the South Pacific region who can integrate the AtoN Competent Authorities and thus deliver AtoN services in line with international requirements.

Expected Learning Outcomes

1. Module One – Nautical Aspects
   1. Introduces the marine environment and AtoN as well as maritime knowledge required by an AtoN manager.
2. Module Two – Technical aspects
   1. Focuses on the technical and operational knowledge of visual, radio and audible AtoN and Vessel Traffic Services required by an AtoN manager.
3. Module Three – AtoN Management
   1. Focuses on theoretical and practical aspects of AtoN provision, design and management through the completion of a case study projec.

Target audience and prerequisites

Target audience: candidates who are employed by competent authorities charged with the provision of AtoN services as well as port authorities.

Pre-requisites: participants are expected to be in possession of at least one of the following proven competencies or qualifications:

• A degree in engineering or related sciences;
• A degree from an accredited maritime college;
• A seagoing Master’s Certificate or equivalent military naval qualification;
• A diploma in an engineering or related science and at least 3 years’ fieldwork experience;
• A recognised qualification in a marine-related discipline (e.g. FIG-IHO hydrographic certificate);
• Be in possession of IALA AtoN Level 2 Certificates and at least 3 years’ fieldwork experience;
• At least 2 years’ work experience with a recognised AtoN service provider in a junior management capacity.

Participants who do not meet the proven competencies listed above may still be considered for entry to the course. In such cases, a comprehensive analysis of the proposed participants previous experience and qualifications should be undertaken to enable an assessment to be made as to whether they have the professional and personal attributes necessary to give a reasonable likelihood of successfully completing the course.

Course Content

• IALA and other International Organisations
• Basic nautical knowledge
• Introduction to marine aids to navigation
• The view from the bridge
• Visual and audible short-range AtoN
• Short-range radio AtoN and differential GNSS
• Vessel Traffic Services
• Structures, materials and historic lighthouses
• Power supplies
•  AtoN provision; design and management
• Maintenance, contracts, funding, human resources
• Protection of the marine environment
• Major planning task

Pre course activities

Prior to the course, participants are encouraged to read IALA Recommendation R0141 on Standards of Certification and Training of AtoN personnel and Model Course L1.1 on level 1 Manager. Participants should take note of the level of competency for each course element and sub-element which is generally at the basic or satisfactory level. Whilst not essential, a good pre-course knowledge of the IALA Maritime Buoyage System will give participants a significant advantage.

Learner Assessment

Participants will need to fully complete a range of practical activities along with a written examination for each module. Module three will also include an assessed group task involving the preparation of an operational plan for AtoN provision within a specified area.

The minimum pass mark for each assessed element of the course is 50%. IALA Level 1 AtoN Manager Certificate shall be awarded to every participant obtaining at least 50% in each test. This will permit them to operate as a manager within a national Competent Authority or an AtoN service provider approved by that Competent Authority. No Certificate will be awarded for participants who attend the course modules but fails the tests or do not fully attend each of the modules. It is expected that participants need to devote time in the evenings and in the weekends to consolidate their knowledge. Sufficient time has been programmed for revision, tutorials and re-sits where necessary.

Language of instruction: English

Instructors:

• Salesh Kumar (Pacific Community, SPC)
• Guest lecturers (to be announced) for tutorials.

Potentially for Module 3:

• Kevin Gregory, IALA;
• Omar Eriksson, IALA)

Course Acrreditation

In 2019 the Pacific Community (SPC) was accredited by the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF) as IALA’s Accredited Training Organization.

Course Format

Distance learning, tutorials, case studies, practical exercises.

Costs

The SPC Pacific Safety of Navigation project will sponsor the participation of those candidates from its 13 target countries (plus Papua New Guinea). Shall SPC decide to organize the module 3 face to face at SPC premises in Suva, the costs for travel, accommodation and Daily Subsistence Allowance (DSA) for accepted nominations will be funded by SPC.