Question : MoU with Bangladesh

(a) whether the Government has approved signing of a
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Aids to Navigation
(AtoN) with the Government of Bangladesh;
(b) if so, the details and the objectives thereof;
(c) the extent to which the signing of the said MoU is
likely to boost marine safety;
(d) the main area of cooperation between the two countries
and the extent to which the said MoU is likely to
benefit India;
(e) the financial implications involved on account of the
signing of the said MoU; and
(f) whether the Government proposes to collaborate with the
Government of Bangladesh for imparting training to AtoN
personnel and if so, the details thereof?

(a) Yes, Madam.
(b) The details and objectives of this exercise are as under:
Recognising the importance of safe and efficient marine traffic movement and also appreciating
the need for providing AtoNs to personnel (Managers and Technicians) both the Government of
India and Government of Bangladesh agreed to enter into Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to
seek the advice of DGLL on AtoNs used by the People’s Republic of Bangladesh and train AtoN
personnel of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh.
i) To extend advice on lighthouses and beacons.
ii) To extend advice on Vessel Traffic Service and Chain of Automatic Identification System (AIS)
iii) To impart training as per International Association of Lighthouse Authorities training
module to AtoN Managers and Technicians.

(c) DGLL shall extend advice on AtoNs and train AtoN Managers and Technicians of Peoples Republic
of Bangladesh as per IALA training Modules. The training imparted by DGLL shall lead to
professional development of AtoN Manager and Technicians which will help - enhance marine
safety as under:
- Establishment of new AtoNs
- Ensure maximum availability of AtoNs
- Efficient traffic management
- Protection of marine environment

(d) The main area of cooperation between the two countries will be as under:
(i) Provide advice on AtoNs
(ii) Provide academic interaction by imparting training to AtoNs personnel
(iii) Provide necessary cooperation in organizing workshops / conference for enhancement of skills in AtoNs field.

The MoU is likely to benefit India by:
(i) improving relations and maintaining a long tradition of regional friendship within the South
Asian Region
(ii) exchanging innovative ideas from the trained professionals of both countries to improve
marine safety in the region.

(e) The Financial Implications of the proposal are as under:
(i) For the visits to the People’s Republic of Bangladesh by the AtoNs personnel of DGLL the
expenses will be borne by the DGLL, India
(ii) For attending courses by AtoN personnel of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh to India, travel
and other expenses will be borne by the Govt. of Bangladesh.

(f) Yes, Madam. For imparting the training to AtoNs personnel workshops / conferences will be
organised on mutual cooperation basis.

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