SETWAC VTS Review

Port Arthur Vessel Traffic ServiceReview by Navigation Sub-Committee

Spring 2013

SETWAC Navigation Sub-Committee

SETWAC motion initiates PA VTS review, summer 2012

Primary Members:Mike Measells                  USCG Rep        PA VTS, Director

David Peacock                     Inland Towing Rep          Marine Fueling

Richard Russell                     Bluewater Shipping Industry Rep    AET                     

Charlie Tweedel (Chair)         Pilot Association Rep                              Sabine Pilots

Mark Taylor                            Pilot Assoc. Chairman                   Sabine Pilots

Ellen Warner                           Pilot Assoc. Vice President         Sabine Pilots

Scott Whalen USCG Rep PA VTS, Deputy Director

John Gardiner USCG Admin/Technical Assistant

SETWAC Navigation Sub-Committee

Navigation Sub-Committee convenes working group

Contributing Members:Todd Behlke Inland Towing Rep Kirby MarineRoland Kennedy Sabine Pilots Chief DispatcherMike Egan Sabine Pilots PilotMark Shell Inland Towing Rep Kirby MarineGreg McAnelly Sabine Pilots PilotCarl Gerace                             PA VTS                    VTS Watch Supervisor   Evan Morrow PA VTS VTS Watch SupervisorChuck Lahaye Sabine Pilots Pilot

“Request authorization to re-establish original SETWAC VTS Working group as an Ad Hoc Committee for the purpose of reviewing procedures, customer feed-back, and historical documentation in order to recommend improvements or validate existing procedures of VTS Port Arthur.”

Goals of the VTS Review ratified by the Working Group

 

SETWAC Navigation Sub-Committee

a. Make final presentation to full SETWAC  

I. Review and critique the interface between VTS and the users.a. Initial starting point (circa 2005), evolution, present level of interaction

b. Is the present level of support/information from VTS adequate?  

 II. Analyze and study incident data to identify trends and areas of recurring problems. a. Present data to show the trends of reported incidents post VTS start-up.

  b. Populate a chart with incident data to identify problem areas. c. Consider additional action by VTS in an effort to mitigate the elevated risk to mariners in these problem areas.

III. Report

c. Can VTS further improve communication and information exchange with mariners?

Tools and Methodology

SETWAC Navigation Sub-Committee

 

VTS Data compiled since 2006-Information used to populate paper chart of AOR and Google earth map.

(This remain an evolving record and resource for future reference.)

-Periodic “State of the Waterway” reports on status and trends (Source: VTS Director, Mike Measells)

 Survey of Waterway Users

Group Discussion

 

Break down of Respondents (69 total): Inland Towing: 50% Bluewater: 28% Sabine Pilots: 22%

VTS Working Group Response

SETWAC Navigation Sub-Committee

 

I. Review and critique the interface between VTS and the users.a. Initial starting point (circa 2005), evolution, present level of interaction

b. Is the present level of support/information from VTS adequate?  

-Based on survey results, the current level of interaction, including recurring broadcasts, special situations, and on demand at request of users is at  a sufficient level .

c. Can VTS further improve communication and information exchange with mariners?

  -Based on survey results and extensive discussions within this working group, consensus is that there is active and frequent dialog between the numerous user groups and VTS along the SNWW.  With these two-way lines of communication open, if any further adjustments to the 30 minute/hourly broadcasts, or condition specific advisories is needed, the mechanism to evolve and change is already in place.

VTS Working Group Response

-Discussed the implementation of special broadcasts to address unique situations along the channel such as dredging, dock work, larger than normal vessels at specific docks, sensitive cargo operation, or anything out of the ordinary.

-Most of this is already done but the hot spots around Texas Island to the School House and Pabtex to Total were emphasized as critical areas that may require additional advisories.

-Discussed the pending CFR amendment to include changes to PA VTS Users Manual

-Additions and editing of the Coast Pilot was discussed with input to update existing language concerning both VTS and pilot operations.

-Bunker Protocol still in effect.

SETWAC Navigation Sub-Committee

c. Consider additional action by VTS in an effort to mitigate the elevated risk to mariners in these problem areas.

 

 II. Analyze and study incident data to identify trends and areas of recurring problems.

a. Present data to show the trends of reported incidents post VTS start-up.

  b. Populate a chart with incident data to identify problem areas.-Google earth program with accidents overlay sorted by ship, tow, fishing vessels, other and also by category of accident type. [Data compiled and arranged by Mike Measells and John Gardiner.] -There were no real surprises here with most of the data confirming the known areas of concern near each intersection and along the Port Arthur Canal where ship channel and ICW run concurrently.

-“State of the Waterway” yearly reports indicate that the number of accidents post-VTS has declined significantly.   [source: VTS Director Mike Measells (data tracking commenced in 2006)] -Total number of movements per number of accidents:

2006 ships: 295 2006 inland tows: 998

2012 1252 2012        2784

Summary and Conclusion of VTS Review

SETWAC Navigation Sub-Committee

From the VTS User’s Manual:

“VTS Port Arthur began operations in 2005 to enhance navigation, vessel safety, And marine environmental protection, and to promote safe vessel movements.”

It is the conclusive opinion of this working group that the waterway is safer through the presence and efforts of Port Arthur VTS.

-Records kept since the inception of PA VTS validate that incidents have declined and safety has improved during this time period.

VTS provides three primary services:

Information Service Navigational Assistance Traffic Organization

The complexity of our waterway requires that reliable information be available to the mariner at all times and that a relationship of trust with the Vessel Traffic Service exist for the benefit of the entire waterway.

Discussion on the issue of Navigational Assistance yielded a consensus opinion within the group that the independent decisions concerning course, speed, position, etc., should remain with the mariner, utilizing all available resources, including information/assistance provided by VTS. This independence is affirmed in the VTS Manual:

“These services assist the mariner in making independent decisions regarding the safe navigation of their vessels, for which they retain complete responsibility.”

Summary and Conclusion of VTS Review

SETWAC Navigation Sub-Committee

From the VTS User’s Manual:

“Through proactive exchange of information with mariners, VTS endeavors to maintain good order and predictability of the waterway.”

The ongoing dialogue between VTS and the direct users has fosters a good working relationship and maintains that the service and information provided by VTS remains useful and relevant.

User feedback and discussion indicates that VTS is providing a quality service and meeting the needs of the mariner while accomplishing its original mandate and mission.

The VTS working group believes that continued success of VTS PA is dependent on constant dialogue between the mariners and the service to adapt as necessary to the needs of our dynamic waterway.