The Joint Standing Committee on Treaties has tabled a report recommending the ratification of the Convention on the International Organization for Marine Aids to Navigation.

Media release issue date: Wednesday, 6 November 2024

The Joint Standing Committee on Treaties has tabled a report recommending the ratification of the Convention on the International Organization for Marine Aids to Navigation (the Marine Aids Convention). The Convention establishes the International Organization for Marine Aids to Navigation, which will replace the International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities and continue its work on harmonising marine navigation systems worldwide. ‘A key feature of the organisation’s work has been to promote the harmonisation of marine navigation aids internationally, so that mariners can expect the same set of rules and systems no matter who’s waters they are sailing in,’ said Committee Chair Ms Lisa Chesters MP. ‘Although the Internal Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities was a peak body with international membership, some governments and organisations were unable to join the Association because it was a non-governmental organisation. As an intergovernmental organisation, the new body will benefit from increased membership and sponsorship.’ The Committee supports ratification and recommends that binding treaty action be taken. The report also contains the minor treaty action 2022 Amendments to Annexes II, VIII and IX of the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal. The report can be found on the Committee website, along with further information on the inquiry. Media enquiries Ms Lisa Chesters MP, Chair Kate Sutherland, Parliamentary Program Manager Kate.Sutherland@aph.gov.au 03 5443 9055 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 4002 jsct@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.