2026 IALA Level 1 A to N Manager Course, co-hosted by the China Maritime Safety Administration (MSA) and the International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities (IALA), officially commenced on September 1 at Jimei University. The opening ceremony was attended by officials from relevant departments of Jimei University and the Eastern Navigation Service Center of MSA of the Ministry of Transport, as well as 19 mid-and senior-level A to N managers representing 14 countries and regions.

At the opening ceremony, Vice President of Jimei University, Yang Shenhua welcomed participants and expressed gratitude to China MSA and IALA for their unwavering support. He noted that since 2015, the university has hosted nine training programs and one expert class, training 173 IALA managers from countries along the Belt and Road.

Wu Yuxiao, Deputy Director of the Eastern Navigation Service Center, highlighted that this is the first training course since China and IALA signed a new Memorandum of Understanding, marking a new phase in bilateral cooperation on talent cultivation.

Gambian participant Awa Jibba spoke on behalf of the trainees, expressing appreciation for the opportunity. They would learn professional skills of A to N standards, specifications, and regulatory compliance while sharing practical experiences with fellow participants from other countries and regions.

As a long-term training programs organizing institution, Jimei University has run such programs for 12 consecutive years, reinforcing its commitment to maritime safety along the Maritime Silk Road and deepening cooperation with IALA and partner nations.