What is VTS or Vessel Traffic Services ?

VTS (Vessel Traffic Services): –

Mandatory under VRS – SOLAS chapter 5 regulation 8.1

Information about VTMS available in ALRS 7

Functions: –

• Provide “weather & navigational warnings” of local importance.
• Provide “advice” to ships regarding dangerous circumstances along their intended route.
• “Guide” the ships so as to keep safe distance from other ships.
• Provide “information” to ships e.g. pilot possibility, berthing instructions etc.
• “Pass information” on to relative services like pilots, agents, customs, port berth etc.

Constitution of VTS: –

• Dedicated “Control room”.
• “Remote sensors” like radars, A/S transponders etc.
• “Communication links” like VHF, Telephone, Telex, E-mail etc.
• “Operator Work station”: Display unit, computers, ECDIS, databank etc.

Limitations/Drawbacks: –