Bulgarian Ports
Infrastructure Company

The director of the Vessel Traffic Services Authority at BPI Co., Capt. Milen Todorov, PhD took part in the conference, dedicated to the World Marine Aids to Navigation Day (WAtoN). He presented the development of the Marine Aids to Navigation and the Vessel Traffic Services in Bulgaria, to over 100 participants from all over the world, who joined the celebration of this day, so important for the marine community.

The decision that the World Marine Aids to Navigation Day is celebrated on 1 July, was made in the Republic of Korea in 2018 during the General Assembly of the International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities – IALA. WAtoN Day’s mission is to improve the awareness and perception of the general public, with respect to the marine aids to navigation. Now these are modern, technologically advanced and along with the traditional lighthouses combine incorporate and support the latest digital developments in the area, including with respect to the vessel traffic services (VTS).

International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities (IALA) is the main driving force in the area of establishment of the international technical standards on navigation safety. The objective of this celebration is to promote on a wider scale IALA’s activities and its undisputed significance for the continuous improvement and harmonization of marine aids to navigation and the related services for achieving safety, efficiency and security of navigation and the preservation of the environment.

In 2022 WAtoN Day will take place in Bulgaria, if the situation with Covid-19 pandemic allows that.