The General Company for Ports of Iraq announced on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, a landmark achievement with the graduation of two of its technical staff from the “Level 1.2 Aids to Navigation Manager” program — one of the highest specialized certifications in maritime safety.
Dr. Eng. Farhan Al-Fartousi, Director General of the company, stated that this accomplishment reflects the growing expertise of Iraqi personnel in managing navigational aids and underscores the company’s commitment to implementing international standards set by the International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities (IALA).
The certification was awarded under the supervision of IALA, in cooperation with Turkey’s Directorate General of Coastal Safety (DGCS), with trainees from five countries participating, giving the program a distinctly competitive international dimension.
The training covered advanced topics including modern navigational aid management techniques, marine signaling systems, and field visits to a Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) station and a Search and Rescue (SAR) center, providing participants with practical exposure to monitoring and emergency response mechanisms.
This graduation marks the first of its kind in Iraq and represents a significant step toward strengthening the country’s maritime safety framework and enhancing the management of vessel traffic in its territorial waters in line with global standards.
