Vessel Traffic Service

• A vessel traffic service (VTS) is a marine traffic

monitoring system established by harbour or
port authorities, similar to air traffic control
for aircraft ,to keep track of vessel movements
and provide navigational safety in a limited
geographical area.
• VTS is governed by SOLAS Chapter V Reg 12
together with the Guidelines for Vessel Traffic
Services adopted by the IMO on 27 Nov 1997.
 VTS Operations
• Objectives
prime objective is to improve safety and
efficiency of marine traffic movement and
protect the environment within it’s area of
authority
 VTS - Overview
• The VTS traffic image is compiled and
collected by means of advanced sensors such
as radar, AIS, direction finding, CCTV and VHF
or other co-operative systems and services.
• A modern VTS integrates all of the
information in to a single operator working
environment for ease of use and in order to
allow for effective traffic organization and
communication
The purpose of VTS is to
• improve the safety and efficiency of navigation
• safety of life and the protection of the
environment from possible adverse effects of
vessel traffic.
• A part of these objectives of a VTS may include
promoting efficient transport and the collection
of data that may be required in order to evaluate
the Vessel Traffic Service.
 The benefits of implementing a VTS ;
• it allows identification and monitoring of
vessels
• strategic planning of vessel movements and
provision of navigational information and
assistance.
• It can also assist in reducing the risk of
pollution and coordinating pollution response.
The efficiency of a VTS will depend on the;
• reliability and continuity of communications
• ability to provide concise, accurate and unambiguous
information.
The quality of accident prevention measures will
depend on the;
• capability of the system to detect developing
dangerous situations
• ability to give timely warning of such dangers.
Communication with the VTS and other vessels should
be conducted in accordance with established
procedures, in particular where a communication
concerns intended manoeuvres.
A VTS is particularly appropriate in an area that may include any of the flwg;

• high traffic density;

• traffic carrying hazardous cargoes;
• conflicting and complex navigation patterns;
• difficult hydrographical, hydrological and meteorological
elements;
• shifting shoals and other local hazards;
• environmental considerations;
• interference by vessel traffic with other waterborne activities;
• number of casualties in an area during a specified period;
• existing or planned vessel traffic services on adjacent
waterways and the need for cooperation between
neighbouring States, if appropriate;
• narrow channels, port configuration, bridges, locks, bends
and similar areas where;
- the progress of vessels may be restricted;
- foreseeable changes in the traffic pattern in the area
 VTS Operations
• Procedures
In order to enable a VTS to discharge it’s duties
efficiently and effectively, it would need the
following elements;
- organisational infrastucture to be in place
- suitably trained/skilled work force
- effective communications through to all
elements
- compliance by participating vessels and
organisations
 Procedures ( contd)
• In areas that are covered with VTS there are
certain procedures for vessels to follow such as
Area Procedures, Sector Areas, Arrival and
Departure Reports, Approach Procedures,
Pilotage Procedures and many more.
• Each of the above procedures are named with
respect to the area that they serve.
E.g, - in Norway, Oslofjord the Area Procedures
are called "OSL1" and "OSL3"
- in Netherlands, Rotterdam, Maas Approach
and Maas Entrance are called "RTM2" and
"RTM6“ .
- in Gujarat, Gulf of Kutch is called “GOK”
 Procedures (contd)
• VTS procedures should stipulate what
communications are required and which systems
should be monitored.
• Prior to entering a VTS area, vessels should make
all required reports, including reporting of
deficiencies.
• During their passage through a VTS area, vessels
should adhere to governing rules and regulations,
• Maintain a continuous watch on the assigned
communication systems and report deviations
from the agreed sailing plan
• Plan has to be established in co-operation with
the VTS.
 VTS Operations
• Function s

Through commns the function of any VTS operation is to;

- collect data from all relevent parties, viz; ships, allied
services, pilotage or emergency participants
- evaluate all data collected through reports of ships/allied
services
- provide info service to all participants
- provide navigational assistance to participating vsls
- engage with and provide a traffic organisational service ,
e.g sailing schedules
- render support to allied/associated parties. Viz; pollution
control, pilotage services,port authorities,rescue and
emergency services
- provide information,advice or instruction to the vessels
VTS should always have a comprehensive traffic image,
which means
• that all factors influencing the traffic as well as information
about all participating vessels and their intentions should
be readily available.
• situations that are developing can be evaluated 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 the operator.
 SERVICES PROVIDED
• Information service
• Traffic organization service
• Navigational assistance service
 VTS Services
Information service
• A service to ensure that essential information
becomes available in time, for on-board
navigational decision-making.
• Is provided by broadcasting information at fixed
times and intervals or when deemed necessary
by the VTS .
• It may include e.g. reports on the position,
identity and intentions of other traffic; waterway
conditions; weather; hazards; or any other factors
that may influence the vessel's transit.
 VTS Services
Traffic organization service
• A service to prevent the development of dangerous maritime
traffic situations and to provide for the safe and efficient movement
of vessel traffic within the VTS area.

• It concerns the operational management of traffic and the forward

planning of vessel movements to prevent congestion and
dangerous situations, and is particularly relevant in times of high
traffic density or when the movement of special transports may
affect the flow of other traffic.

• It may also include establishing and operating a system of traffic

clearances or VTS sailing plans , allocation of 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
 VTS Services
Navigational assistance service
• A service to assist on-board navigational decision-
making and 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 normally rendered at the request
of a vessel or by the VTS when deemed
necessary.
•
• VTS operations found around the globe;
Vancouver, English channel, Malacca
straits,Panama canal, Sandheads,etc
• General advice found ;
- relevent sailing directions
- Ocean Passages for the World
- Ship’s Routeing
- ALRS Vol 6