Welcome to IFAN

Welcome to the website of the only independent lighthouse authority in the world. The International Foundation for Aids to Navigation (IFAN) is a registered UK charitable company headquartered in London (UK), with an operating division based in the Middle East Gulf, the Middle East Navigation Aids Service (MENAS). IFAN’s objectives are the promotion of safety at sea and the promotion of the marine environment in the Middle East and worldwide by all charitable means including directly or indirectly by providing and maintaining navigation aids, safety systems and safety information; promoting the use of modern navigation techniques and procedures and other essential maritime skills; and protecting and improving all aspects of the marine environment.

IFAN fulfils its objectives through funding of activities worldwide. IFAN and MENAS’s history began in 1911 and we have come a long way since those early days of the Persian Gulf Lighting Service. Hopefully, you will see the current activities carried out by IFAN, and our branch, MENAS, and discover our unique place in the world of maritime navigation.

To find out more about IFAN’s funding eligibility criteria please download our guidelines document here.

Supporting the maritime community

IFAN fulfils its objectives by funding global activities related to the promotion of safety of life at sea and the protection of the marine environment. The support that IFAN provides to the global maritime community is centred around three main areas: Safety and Environment, MENAS activity and Capability Enhancement. A list of past and currently funded activities can be found  by clicking the link here. IFAN is open to consider new activities to support the maritime community which are in line with its objectives. If you wish to submit a funding proposal, please use IFAN’s project proposal template which can be found by clicking the link here, and send the completed form to info@ifan-maritime.org. Alternatively, you can contact IFAN here.

Funding

IFAN is open to consider new activities to support the maritime community which are in line with its objectives. If you wish to submit a funding proposal, please use IFAN’s project proposal template which can be found by clicking the link here, and send the completed form to info@ifan-maritime.org. Alternatively, you can contact IFAN by clicking the link here

Safety and Environment

Enhancing maritime safety and protecting the marine environment through the provision of international standard Aids to Navigation (AtoN) is the core to IFAN’s mission.

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MENAS

MENAS is IFAN’s operating branch in the Middle Eastern Gulf. The operation of 54 Aids to Navigation assets and marine safety information for the region are coordinated from MENAS’s base in Bahrain.

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Capability Enhancement

Twinned with the provision of Aids to Navigation (AtoN) is the use, operation, and provision of capability enhancement through training and education. IFAN ensures that global standards are followed.

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Latest News

Ocean Decade

IFAN takes part in the 4th UN Ocean Decade Foundations Dialogue Meeting

IFAN Development Manager Francesca Pradelli recently participated in the 4th UN Ocean Decade Foundations Dialogue Meeting, organized by Fundação Grupo Boticário and UNESCO. The gathering welcomed representatives from over 15 global and regional foundations, who had the opportunity to brainstorm and find collaborative ways to implement the UN Ocean Decade challenges.Being part of the Ocean …

IFAN takes part in the 4th UN Ocean Decade Foundations Dialogue Meeting Read More »

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World Marine Aids to Navigation Day’s Celebration

In July 2024 IFAN CEO Catherine Mulvihill and Development Management Francesca Pradelli, together with MENAS Bahrain General Manager Mahdi Al Mosawi, attended the World Marine Aids to Navigation Day’s celebration organized by IALA and hosted by Italy in the beautiful city of Genoa. The Ligurian city was presented with “The Lighthouse of the Year” Award …

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IFAN Meeting with IMO’s Arsenio Dominguez

IFAN’s CEO Catherine Mulvihill and Development Manager Francesca Pradelli recently met with IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez at the International Maritime Organization HQ in London. The meeting was a great opportunity to present IFAN’s activities and future strategic endeavours to the IMO SG, and to initiate a conversation about potential global partnerships with the IMO, with …

IFAN Meeting with IMO’s Arsenio Dominguez Read More »

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