Permanent International Association of Navigation Congresses (PIANC)

The Permanent International Association of Navigation Congresses was founded in 1885 with the aim of organizing international conferences for the dissemination of knowledge related to navigation in the field of civil engineering. To date, 28 congresses have been held, now with a four-year interval; the 28th Congress was held in 1994 in Seville, Spain. PIANC has become a leading authority, particularly in the field of engineering. Several studies, for instance on the dimensions of ships and waterways and on signalling, have led to international standardization and PIANC congresses have often recommended further international studies of specific subjects. The congresses are each attended by approximately 900 participants from around 50 countries world-wide. They are state, municipal and harbour officials, consultants, scientists and academics at technical universities, contractors and many other participants from the navigation industry. There is a strong governmental influence in the organization, as the governments of about 40 countries support PIANC both financially and by the participation of senior civil servants.

In the two sections of the congresses, inland navigation and ocean navigation, 10 subjects are discussed. PIANC has always followed recent developments such as trends in shipping, reception facilities for ferries, special arrangements for the handling of containers, oil, gas and of dangerous or environmentally noxious goods. Not only the technical aspects of navigation, such as canals, dams, ports and maritime structures, are discussed, but also economics, port management and port capacity and safety. Environmental aspects, for instance of maintenance dredging and the disposal of dredged materials, are important topics. PIANC has long been interested in coastal problems, as these affect ports. As many ports extend into the sea, PIANC has considered ocean engineering including artificial islands, maritime constructions, salvage and the removal of wrecks and navigation under arctic conditions. PIANC is also active in the field of sport and pleasure navigation. Since 1982 PIANC has organized international working groups to report on specific topics. At present there are about 35 active working groups and 23 reports have been published. Their members are from about 30 countries. They may convene several times each year or work by correspondence. The recommendations of the working groups represent recent advances and are widely distributed. For instance, the report Beneficial Uses of Dredging Material was presented for discussion to the London Dumping Convention. Membership of PIANC is open to organizations and individuals. In most countries a national section is the contact point for the members. The General-Secretariat is in Brussels, Belgium.