Qualifications and training for VTS personnel

As per IMO Resolution 1158(32) Guidelines for Vessel Traffic Services:

VTS personnel should only be considered competent when appropriately trained and qualified for their VTS duties. This includes:

• satisfactorily completing generic VTS training approved by a competent authority; 
• satisfactorily completing on-the-job training at the VTS where the personnel are employed; 
• undergoing periodic assessments and revalidation training to ensure competence is maintained; and
• being in possession of appropriate certification.

VTS providers must ensure that adequate policy and associated processes and procedures are implemented to:

• Manage the VTS training scenarios in a manner consistent with the intent of IALA Recommendation R0103 and this guidance.
• Ensure staffing levels are sufficient so the supervision of the person does not impact on the delivery of service.

Read the IMO Resolution 1158(32) Guidelines for Vessel Traffic Services (PDF, 660KB).

Guidance 

VTS providers must ensure their operations satisfy the following qualification and training requirements for VTS personnel in Australia.

A person should only be permitted to carry out the duties of VTS personnel where:

1. They hold a C0103-1 VTS operator certificate awarded by an accredited VTS training organisation#, and
2. Have satisfactorily completed On-the-Job Training* (OJT) at the VTS Centre at which the person is employed.

OR

1. Pending completion of a C0103-1 VTS Operator course, the person in training must have satisfactorily completed OJT at the VTS centre at which the person is employed, and
2. The person in training operates under the supervision of VTS personnel who hold a C0103-1 certificate awarded by an accredited training organisation. 

# Note: A VTS training organisation means an organisation that has been issued a certificate of accreditation by AMSA under section 15 of Marine Order 64 (Vessel traffic services). This includes:

• They are a training organisation registered by any of the following:
  1. the Australian Skills Quality Authority
  2. the Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority
  3. the Training Accreditation Council, Western Australia.
• They meet the responsibilities of a VTS training organisation that are mentioned in the normative provisions of IALA Standard 1050. 

* Note: On-the-Job Training is required to achieve the knowledge, practical competence, skills, and attitude to undertake duties at the VTS where they are employed. Assessment of OJT should be carried out by a person/s appropriately qualified and experienced holding a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment or an IALA C0103-4 VTS On-the-job training instructor certificate.