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Vessel traffic service

From the combined VTS and pilots scheduling center

A vessel traffic service (VTS ) is a marine traffic monitoring system established by harbor or

port authorities, similar to air traffic control for aircraft. Typical VTS systems use radar , closed-circuit television (CCTV), VHF radiotelephony and automatic identification system to keep track of vessel movements and provide navigational safety in a limited geographical area.

Vessel traffic services

A service implemented by a competent authority, VTS is designed to improve the safety andefficiency of navigation, safety of life at sea and the protection of the marine environment. VTSis governed by SOLAS Chapter V Regulation 12 together with the Guidelines for Vessel TrafficServices [IMO Resolution A.857(20)] adopted by the International Maritime Organization on 27

November 1997.

The VTS traffic image is compiled and co llected by means of advanced sensors such as radar,AIS , direction finding, CCTV and VHF or other co-operative systems and services. A modernVTS integrates all of the information in to a single operator working environment for ease of useand in order to allow for effective traffic organization and communication.

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Operator.

A VTS should always have a comprehensive traffic image, which means that all factorsinfluencing the traffic as well as information about all participating vessels and their intentions

should be readily available. By means of the traffic image, situations that are developing can beevaluated and responded upon. The data evaluation depends to a great extent on the quality of the data that is collected and the ability of the operator to combine this with an actual or developing situation. The data dissemination process exists of conveying the conclusions of theoperator. Three forms of data dissemination are possible:

VTS personnel

The VTS guidelines require that the VTS authority should be provided with sufficient staff,appropriately qualified, suitably trained and capable of performing the tasks required, taking intoconsideration the type and level of services to be provided in conformity with the current IMOguidelines on the subject.

IALA Recommendation V-103 is the Recommendation on Standards for Training andCertification of VTS Personnel. There are four associated model courses V103/1 to V-103/4which are approved by IMO and should be used when training VTS personnel for the VTSqualification.

Information service

An information service is a service to ensure that essential information becomes available in time

for on-board navigational decision-making.The information service is provided by broadcasting information at fixed times and intervals or when deemed necessary by the VTS or at the request of a vessel, and may include for examplereports on the position, identity and intentions of other traffic; waterway conditions; weather;hazards; or any other factors that may influence the vessel's transit.

Traffic organization service

A traffic organization service is a service to prevent the development of dangerous maritimetraffic situations and to provide for the safe and efficient movement of vessel traffic within theVTS area.

The traffic organization service concerns the operational management of traffic and the forward planning of vessel movements to prevent congestion and dangerous situations, and is particularlyrelevant in times of high traffic density or when the movement of special transports may affectthe flow of other traffic. The service may also include establishing and operating a system of traffic clearances or VTS sailing plans or both in relation to priority of movements, allocation of

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space, mandatory reporting of movements in the VTS area, routes to be followed, speed limits to be observed or other appropriate measures which are considered necessary by the VTS authority.

N avigational assistance service

A navigational assistance service is a service to assist on-board navigational decision-makingand to monitor its effects.

The navigational assistance service is especially important in difficult navigational or meteorological circumstances or in case of defects or deficiencies. This service is normallyrendered at the request of a vessel or by the VTS when deemed necessary.

See also

y Automatic Identification System y Automatic Packet Reporting System