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

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

IFAN UKHO Qatar

Strengthening maritime navigation: IFAN Meeting in Doha

In a significant stride towards enhancing maritime navigation, the International Foundation for Aids to Navigation (IFAN) recently attended a top-level meeting in Doha, Qatar. The meeting, hosted at the Ministry of Transport offices on 13th and 14th November, brought together key IFAN attendees, along with government representatives, and experts from the United Kingdom Hydrographers Office …

Strengthening maritime navigation: IFAN Meeting in Doha Read More »

MENAS AtoN course Nov 23

First of its kind Aids to Navigation course held in Middle East to enhance maritime safety in the Gulf

A first of its kind training course for the Middle East has been held to teach mariners about the basic concept of Aids to Navigation (AtoN) after a clear need was identified from potential clients. Run by Middle East Navigation Services (MENAS) with co-operation with Bahrain Port Maritime Affairs PMA , the Level 3 course …

First of its kind Aids to Navigation course held in Middle East to enhance maritime safety in the Gulf Read More »

Peter, Jens and Catherine

Our October Newsletter is out now!

In this issue, we introduce our new Chief Executive Officer, Catherine Mulvihill, who has taken over the post from Peter Stanley. We also explain the reason behind the difficult decision to increase Nav Dues paid by ship owners to MENAS, which provides Aids to Navigation (AtoN) in the Middle East Gulf. Plus, there’s a report on the visit …

Our October Newsletter is out now! Read More »

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