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.

Visit our downloads page for the latest report

Key services to shipping

atons in the gulf

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

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 

gulf atons map

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.

risk assessment

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.

aids to navigation training

Training

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

Latest News

student 3

MENAS introduces university students to innovative PV Solar System project

MENAS has welcomed a group of university students from various institutions across Bahrain to introduce them to its PV solar system project. The visit on 26th May was organised to fulfil the students’ academic requirements in their renewable energy courses. Jaffer Abdulla, the Training & Quality Manager at MENAS, greeted the students and provided an […]
IFAN MENAS logo

The latest edition of the IFAN/MENAS newsletter is out now!

Highlights To read about these and other stories please click here IFAN/MENAS May 2024 Newsletter (mailchi.mp)
Bahrain Royal Navy visit MENAS 23rd April

MENAS welcomes Bahrain Royal Navy graduate officers

MENAS welcomed 16 officer delegates from the Bahrain Royal Navy on 23rd April, where they were able to hear about the importance of AtoN for safety of navigation. Led by MENAS Technical Manager Shaheen Mirza Ismaeel, the tour was part of the Royal Navy’s frequent visit and training scheme for new graduate officers. Throughout the […]

Click to subscribe to our monthly newsletter