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.

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Key services to shipping

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 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

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.

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.

Training

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

Latest News

MENAS Delivers First IALA Level 2 Accredited Training in the MENA Region Empowering a new generation of navigation safety experts across the Gulf

The Middle East Navigation Aids Service (MENAS) has successfully delivered the first fully accredited IALA Level 2 training course in the MENA region. Held in Bahrain from 13 to 29 May 2025, the course marks a major milestone for technical capacity building in maritime safety, bringing together 16 participants from Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Egypt […]

MENAS invests in Aids to Navigation Services as Demand Rises- special report by Seatrade Maritime

As port and infrastructure investment in the Middle East continues to grow, the need for reliable aids to navigation and supporting industry knowledge is greater than ever. Since 1911, Middle East Navigation Aids Service (MENAS) has been involved in developing and maintaining aids to navigation (AtoN) in the Middle East Gulf, and, more than 100 […]

RoSPA Award Winner 2024 Social Media Post7

MENAS / IFAN Awarded Gold International Health and Safety Award by RoSPA

Bahrain based MENAS, a branch of the International Foundation for Aids to Navigation (IFAN), has fought off global competition to win a prestigious RoSPA Award, demonstrating its commitment to health and safety excellence. The Middle East Navigation Aids Service (MENAS) won a Gold Award in the Occupational Achievement category, demonstrating its dedication to ensuring its […]