IALA is a non-profit, international technical association. Established in 1957, it enables marine aids to navigation authorities, manufacturers, consultants, and, scientific and training institutes from all parts of the world to exchange and compare their experiences, achievements, technical and operational policies via participation in IALA Technical Committees. The Committees work to create IALA Recommendations and Guidelines which are recognised worldwide as the international standards for the implementation and operation of aids to navigation. These standards help to ensure that the movements of vessels are safe, expeditious, cost effective and harmless to the environment.