There have been continuous modifications and improvements in the operational standards recommended for world wide adoption in respect of various types of aids to navigation by International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities (IALA), International Maritime Organization (IMO), International Hydrographic Organization (IHO), International Telecommunication Union (ITU), etc. Since a majority of these recommendations are mandatory in nature, it has become necessary for lighthouse administrations to formulate their strategies in such a manner that the pace of maintenance and development of aids to navigation is maintained at par with, if not ahead of, the corresponding progress in the international field.

The Directorate General of Lighthouses & Lightships has therefore been engaged actively and continuously in the formulation of its future plans not only relating to the establishment of new aids to navigation but also in updating of existing aids to navigation so as to ensure that the international practices are followed rigidly.