Welcome to MENAS

The Middle East Gulf region's leading innovator in the supply and maintenance of Aids to Navigation

The Middle East Navigation Aids Service (MENAS) is a subsidiary of the International Foundation for Aids to Navigation (IFAN). It owns and maintains an extensive network of buoys, lighthouses and Racons, mostly located in remote areas more than 12 nautical miles from the shore, and generally in hazardous areas such as narrow waterways leading to main ports in the Middle East Gulf region.

Supporting safety in the Middle East Gulf

The Middle East Gulf is one of the world’s busiest trade lanes, servicing the global oil and products markets. Maintaining safe navigation in the area is of utmost importance. MENAS provides a service of buoys fitted with AtoN satellite based monitoring system for the health of the AtoN equipment and with automatic identification system (AIS) transponders to not only track the location of the buoy but to monitor passing traffic conditions and carry out risk assessments.

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Key services to shipping

Aids to Navigation (AtoN)

MENAS owns and maintains an extensive network of navigation beacons, buoys and lighthouses for safe navigation of vessels in the region.

MSI Services

MENAS provides MSI services which cover four essential activities: 1) Regional Navigational Warnings
2) Notice to Mariners (NTM)
3 ) Weather Forecast Bulletins 4) Weekly Navtex Bulletins

Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS)

Since 1997, MENAS continues to operate a free-to-air differential global positioning system (DGPS) for the region which assists safe navigation.

AtoN Risk Assessment Service (RAS)

MENAS uses two IALA risk assessment tools, including other marine publications to study and calculate the probability of collision or grounding. This service is also provided commercially upon request.

Training

MENAS delivers accredited Aids to Navigation (AtoN) training courses according to IALA WWA modules designed to improve AtoN level of service.

Latest News

IFAN supports UNESCO and IALA to provide ocean literacy training for marine Aids to Navigation managers

In a collaborative effort to enhance ocean literacy, safety at sea and the protection of the marine environment, MENAS’ parent organisation, IFAN, supports two prominent organisations — UNESCO Ocean and IALA — to provide training on ocean literacy for Aids to Navigation (AtoN) managers worldwide.The initiative highlights the significance of a multidisciplinary approach in addressing the challenges …

IFAN supports UNESCO and IALA to provide ocean literacy training for marine Aids to Navigation managers Read More »

IFAN attends Ocean Decade Conference and pinpoints huge role of AtoN in joining maritime safety and marine protection

Catherine Mulvihill, CEO, and Francesca Pradelli, Development Manager, at MENAS’ parent organisation International Foundation for Aids to Navigation (IFAN) were delighted to attend the Ocean Decade Conference in Barcelona (10-12 April). Here they discuss their key takeaways from the event. How was the 2024 Ocean Decade Conference? FP: It was busy! Both in terms of people …

IFAN attends Ocean Decade Conference and pinpoints huge role of AtoN in joining maritime safety and marine protection Read More »

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 »