Vessel Traffic Services - An Overview
What is a Vessel Traffic Service (VTS)?
Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) are shore-based systems which range from the provision of simple information messages to ships, such as the position of other traffic or meteorological hazard warnings, to extensive management of traffic within a port or waterway.
Generally, ships entering a VTS area report to the authorities, usually by radio, and may be tracked by the VTS using radar, Automated Identification System (AIS) or other technologies. Ships in a VTS area are required to keep watch on a specific radio frequency for navigational or other warnings, and they may be contacted directly by the VTS operator if there is risk of an incident or, in areas where traffic flow is regulated, to be given advice on when to proceed.
Vessel Traffic Services are recognised internationally as a navigational safety measure through the International Convention on the Safety of Life at Sea 74/78 (SOLAS). In particular, the provisions in SOLAS Chapter V (Safety of Navigation) Regulation 12 provides for Vessel Traffic Services and states , amongst other things, that:
- “Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) contribute to safety of life at sea, safety and efficiency of navigation and protection of the marine environment, adjacent shore areas, work sites and offshore installations from possible adverse effects of maritime traffic.”, and
- Governments may establish VTS when, in their opinion, the volume of traffic or the degree of risk justifies such services.
Under the framework provided by SOLAS the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Assembly resolution A.857(20) - Guidelines for Vessel Traffic Services provides guidelines for implementing and operating Vessel Traffic Services, including guidelines on recruitment, qualifications and training of VTS Operators. Specifically, the resolution defines a Vessel Traffic Service as:
“A service designed to improve the safety and efficiency of vessel traffic and to protect the environment. The service should have the capability to interact with the traffic and to respond to traffic situations developing in the VTS area”. (IMO Resolution A.857 (20))
The guidelines also clearly state that decisions concerning effective navigation and manoeuvring of the vessel remains with the ship's Master.
What are the benefits of implementing a Vessel Traffic Service?
The benefits of implementing a VTS are that it allows identification and monitoring of vessels, strategic planning of vessel movements and provision of navigational information and assistance. It can also assist in prevention of pollution and co-ordination of pollution/emergency response.
The efficiency of a VTS will depend on the reliability and continuity of communications and on the ability to provide accurate and unambiguous information. The quality of accident-prevention measures will depend on the system's capability of detecting a developing dangerous situation and on the ability to give timely warning of such dangers. In particular, a VTS can contribute to:
- Preventing incidents from developing;
- Preventing incidents from developing into accidents;
- Preventing accidents from developing into disasters;
- Mitigating the consequences of incidents, accidents and disasters; and
- Unlike other aids to navigation, VTS has the capability to interact and influence the decision-making process on board the vessel. VTS might detect the development of close quarter situations between vessels or vessels standing into danger and can thus alert such vessels accordingly. In some cases the VTS may advise or instruct vessels to take certain avoiding action, providing that any instructions or advice issued by the VTS is result orientated only. As approximately 80% of maritime accidents can be attributed to the human factor, there is considerable value adding through the involvement of and interaction with the VTS as an additional safeguard.