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

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Ship Management International interviews IFAN CEO Catherine Mulvihill

IFAN CEO Catherine Mulvihill was delighted to be interviewed for the January/February issue of Ship Management International, published today (29th February). In the ‘How I Work’ feature, she talks about her role as CEO, which she took up last autumn, and also lists what she sees as the vital assets that help the charitable organisation …

Ship Management International interviews IFAN CEO Catherine Mulvihill Read More »

IFAN linkedin

Our February newsletter is out now!

In this issue, we talk about IFAN’s recent visit to IALA’s headquarters in France, where discussions focused on the 2024 IALA World-Wide Academy work plan and strategies to strengthen relations between IALA and IFAN.  There’s also news about how Vanuatu, one of the largest of the 13 countries in the Pacific Safety of Navigation Project run …

Our February newsletter is out now! Read More »

IALA visit 22 Feb 2024

IFAN strengthens ties with IALA in visit to French headquarters

IFAN’s CEO Catherine Mulvihill and Development Manager Francesca Pradelli visited IALA’s headquarters in France last week (21-22 February), meeting with Secretary-General Francis Zachariae and Deputy Secretary-General Omar Frits Eriksson. Discussions focused on the 2024 IALA World-Wide Academy work plan and strategies to enhance collaboration between IFAN and IALA, signalling promising advancements in maritime safety and …

IFAN strengthens ties with IALA in visit to French headquarters Read More »

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