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

MENAS AtoN course Nov

First of its kind Aids to Navigation course held in Middle East to enhance maritime safety in the Gulf

A first of its kind training course for the Middle East has been held to teach mariners about the basic concept of Aids to Navigation (AtoN) after a clear need was identified from potential clients. Run by Middle East Navigation Services (MENAS), a branch of IFAN, with co-operation with Bahrain Port Maritime Affairs PMA , …

First of its kind Aids to Navigation course held in Middle East to enhance maritime safety in the Gulf Read More »

IFAN linkedin

Our October Newsletter is out now!

In this issue, we introduce our new Chief Executive Officer, Catherine Mulvihill, who has taken over the post from Peter Stanley. We also explain the reason behind the difficult decision to increase Nav Dues paid by ship owners to our Middle East operational arm, MENAS, which provides Aids to Navigation (AtoN) in the Middle East Gulf. Plus, …

Our October Newsletter is out now! Read More »

Peter, Jens and Catherine

IFAN hosts SPC Deputy Director for Pacific navigation project update

On Friday 20th October, Jens Kruger, the SPC’s Deputy Director Ocean and Maritime Programme, visited IFAN’s Headquarters in London. During the visit, he met IFAN’s CEO, Catherine Mulvihill, and IFAN’s Director, Peter Stanley, to discuss the Pacific Safety of Navigation project’s recent developments and the roadmap for Phase 2 Year 3. This vital project, which …

IFAN hosts SPC Deputy Director for Pacific navigation project update Read More »

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