IALA is also known by its French name of Association Internationale de Signalisation Maritime (AISM).
It was established in 1957 to provide a permanent organization to support the goals of the Technical Lighthouse Conferences, which had been convening since 1929.
Four committees maintain work programs established for four year periods: IALA committees provide important documentation to the International Hydrographic Organization and other international organizations, while the IALA Secretariat acts as a clearing house for the exchange of technical information, and organizes seminars and technical support for developing countries.
A short while later the Niki also struck the Texaco Caribbean and sank, despite the wreckage being adequately marked.
IALA is primarily known for the IALA Maritime Buoyage Systems or sea mark systems that are used in the pilotage of vessels at sea:[3] Each type of mark has a distinctive colour, shape and possibly a characteristic light.