On September 24th, MSM, in collaboration with the Fundação de Estudos do Mar (FEMAR) and Gehr International, hosted the workshop “The Importance of Technical Qualification in AtoN in Planning and Operation of Navigable Waters” in Rio de Janeiro. The event aimed to enhance the professional technical training of personnel working in the maritime and navigation sectors.
The workshop provided an excellent opportunity not only to showcase the latest innovations in AtoN equipment but also to emphasize the importance of specialized training courses that cover both the operation and maintenance of AtoN systems. Within this context, MSM and FEMAR, through Gehr International, agreed to promote technical training in AtoN in Brazil. This partnership aims to train technical professionals in AtoN, ensuring the efficient operation of navigation aids and the application of cutting-edge technology to enhance maritime safety.
The workshop featured participation from maritime and AtoN experts who shared best practices, the latest technological advancements applied to AtoN systems in line with IALA Recommendations, and the importance of environmental preservation. Among the speakers were Admiral Marcos L. de Almeida, President of IALA; Admiral Silvio Luís, Director General of Navigation of the Brazilian Navy; Admiral Marcelo Francisco Campos, President of FEMAR; CMG (RM1) Nickolás de Andrade Roscher from DHN Brazil; CF Renato Lacerda Batista from CAMR; CF Anderson Peçanha, Superintendent of Navigation Safety at CHM; CMG (RM1) Edson Magno from SBHidro (Brazilian Hydrography Society); CLC Jones Alexandre Barros Soares, Director of Transpetro; Renato Kopezynski from Rio de Janeiro Pilots; Rodrigo Baiense from Porto do Açu; and Monica Herrero, MSM’s Director of Operations and Head of MSM Academy.
Our Director of Operations and Head of MSM Academy, Mónica Herrero, represented MSM at the event as an Accredited Training Organisation (ATO) with IALA Level 2 Certification. MSM is also an Affiliate Industrial Member of IALA, part of the Industrial Members Group (IMG), and an active participant in IALA Engineering Committees. In the presentation, Mónica Herrero explained the legislative and conceptual framework governing AtoN systems, the role of IALA in establishing international standards for AtoN, and its commitment to maritime safety. She also highlighted the importance of technology to optimize AtoN networks and emphasized training as a key factor for the proper maintenance of AtoN systems. In addition, she presented case studies showcasing MSM’s innovative solutions to ensure maritime safety.
We are proud to have participated in an event that focused on technical AtoN training as a measure to improve maritime safety in Brazil, and we are excited about the agreement reached with FEMAR, reinforcing our educational commitment to the maritime community.
