This training is certified by the International Association of Aids to Maritime Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities (IALA).
The Naval Cadet School is the only institution accredited to give this instruction in Spanish in the region.
The Naval Cadet School Almirante Padilla, Maritime University of Colombia, and the Center for Oceanographic and Hydrographic Research of the Caribbean, in Cartagena (Bolivar) were the main places for the face-to-face phase of the Navigation Aids Administrator Course of the International Association of Maritime Navigation Aids and Lighthouse Authorities (IALA).
This instruction, which is the first in the Spanish language, was attended by 16 student, members of the authorities responsible for the provision of Maritime Navigation Aid services, as well as the port authorities, manufacturers and consultants of Maritime Navigation Aids of Argentina, Colombia, Guatemala, Mexico, Panama and Venezuela.
According to Sarah Anastasia Robinson, Advisor of the IALA Academy, this training is of great importance for the international institution “because this is the first level 1 course of navigation aid administrators that is conducted in Spanish (...) the students this week in Cartagena are an important sample of navigation aid administrators who will be able to continue spreading the knowledge in America, (...) being an important human talent to strengthen maritime security and improve the resources of coastal states in the provision of navigational aids and maritime traffic services in the appropriate way.”
The course had a virtual phase that began in September, providing 140 hours of instruction by three IALA teachers, one English, one Spanish and one Colombian.
During the face-to-face activities, teachers and students carry out additional activities to the conferences such as visits to the different departments of the Caribbean Oceanographic and Hydrographic Research Center, the Caribbean Maritime Signaling Department at the ARC Bolivar Naval Logistics Base and the ENAP Research, Development and Innovation Center for Maritime Activities, practical opportunities that enrich the instructional process.
Source: Press – Navy of Colombia
