Revoked
by A.1158(32)
Resolution
A.857(20)
GUIDELINES FOR VESSEL TRAFFIC SERVICES
(Adopted on 27 November 1997)
THE ASSEMBLY,
RECALLING Article 15(j) of the Convention on the International
Maritime Organization concerning the functions of the Assembly in relation to
regulations and guidelines concerning maritime safety and the prevention and
control of marine pollution from ships,
RECALLING ALSO resolution A.158(ES.IV) entitled
"Recommendation on Port Advisory Services", resolution A.851(20)
entitled "General Principles for Ship Reporting Systems and Ship Reporting
Requirements, including Guidelines for Reporting Incidents Involving Dangerous
Goods, Harmful Substances and/or Marine Pollutants" and resolution MSC.43(64)
entitled "Guidelines and Criteria for Ship Reporting Systems",
BEARING IN MIND the responsibility of Governments for the safety
of navigation and protection of the marine environment in areas under their
jurisdiction,
BEING AWARE that vessel traffic services have been provided in
various areas and have made a valuable contribution to safety of navigation,
improved efficiency of traffic flow and the protection of the marine
environment,
BEING ALSO AWARE that a number of Governments and international
organizations have requested guidance on vessel traffic services,
RECOGNIZING that the level of safety and efficiency in the
movement of maritime traffic within an area covered by a vessel traffic service
is dependent upon close co-operation between those operating the vessel traffic
service and participating vessels,
RECOGNIZING ALSO that the use of differing vessel traffic service
procedures may cause confusion to masters of vessels moving from one vessel
traffic service area to another,
RECOGNIZING FURTHER that the safety and efficiency of maritime
traffic and the protection of the marine environment would be improved if
vessel traffic services were established and operated in accordance with
internationally approved guidelines,
HAVING CONSIDERED the recommendation
made by the Maritime Safety Committee at its sixty-seventh session,
1. ADOPTS the Guidelines for Vessel Traffic Services and the
Guidelines on Recruitment, Qualifications and Training of VTS Operators set out
in annexes 1 and 2 to the present resolution;
2. INVITES Governments
to take account of the annexed Guidelines when developing, implementing and
operating vessel traffic services;
3. RECOMMENDS Governments to encourage masters of ships navigating
in areas for which vessel traffic services are provided to make use of such
services;
4. REVOKES resolution A.578(14).
Annex 1
GUIDELINES AND CRITERIA FOR VTS
1. These Guidelines are associated with SOLAS regulation V/8-2 and
describe the principles and general operational provisions for the operation of
a vessel traffic service (VTS) and participating vessels.
2. Contracting Governments should take account of these Guidelines
when planning, implementing and operating vessel traffic services.
3. These Guidelines should be used in conjunction with the
applicable Guidelines and Criteria for Ship Reporting Systems, resolution
MSC.43(64) and the IALA VTS Manual.
1. DEFINITIONS AND
CLARIFICATIONS
1.1 The following terms are used in connection with vessel traffic
services:
.1 Vessel
traffic service (VTS) - a service implemented by a competent authority,
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.
.2 Competent
authority - the authority made responsible, in whole or in part, by the
Government for safety, including environmental safety, and efficiency of vessel
traffic and the protection of the environment.
.3 VT5 authority
- the authority with responsibility for the management, operation and coordination
of the VTS, interaction with participating vessels and the safe and effective
provision of the service.
.4 VT5 area -
the delineated, formally declared service area of the VTS. A VTS area may be
subdivided in sub-areas or sectors.
.5 VT5 centre -
the centre from which the VTS is operated. Each sub-area of the VTS may have
its own sub-centre.
.6 VT5 operator
- an appropriately qualified person performing one or more tasks contributing
to the services of the VTS.
.7 VT5 sailing
plan - a plan which is mutually agreed between a VTS Authority and the master
of a vessel concerning the movement of the vessel in a VTS area.
.8 VT5 traffic
image - the surface picture of vessels and their movements in a VTS area.
.9 VT5 services
- VTS should comprise at least an information service and may also include
others, such as a navigational assistance service or a traffic organization
service, or both, defined as follows:
.9.1 An
information service is a service to ensure that essential information becomes
available in time for on-board navigational decision-making.
.9.2 A
navigational assistance service is a service to assist on-board navigational
decision-making and to monitor its effects.
.9.3 A traffic
organization service is 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.
.10 Allied
services - services actively involved in the safe and efficient passage of the
vessel through the VTS area.
.11 Hazardous
cargoes - include:
.11.1 goods
classified in the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code;
.11.2 substances
classified in chapter 17 of the IMO International Code for Construction and
Equipment of Ships Carrying Dangerous Chemicals in Bulk (IBC) Code, and in
chapter 19 of the IMO International Code for the Construction and Equipment of
Ships Carrying Liquefied Gases in Bulk (IGC) Code;
.11.3 oils as
defined in MARPOL Annex I;
.11.4 noxious
liquid substances as defined in MARPOL Annex II;
.11.5 harmful
substances as defined in MARPOL Annex III; and
.11.6
radioactive materials specified in the Code for the Safe Carriage of Irradiated
Nuclear Fuel, Plutonium and High-Level Radioactive Wastes in Flasks on board
Ships (INF) Code.
2. GENERAL
CONSIDERATIONS FOR VESSEL TRAFFIC SERVICES
2.1.1 The purpose of vessel traffic services is to improve the
safety and efficiency of navigation, safety of life at sea and the protection
of the marine environment and/or the adjacent shore area, worksites and
offshore installations from possible adverse effects of maritime traffic.
2.1.2 A clear distinction may need to be made between a Port or Harbour
VTS and a Coastal VTS. A Port VTS is mainly concerned with vessel traffic to
and from a port or harbour or harbours, while a Coastal VTS is mainly concerned
with vessel traffic passing through the area. A VTS could also be a combination
of both types. The type and level of service or services rendered could differ
between both types of VTS; in a Port or Harbour VTS a navigational assistance
service and/or a traffic organization service is usually provided for, while in
a Coastal VTS usually only an information service is rendered.
2.1.3 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 response. The
efficiency of a VTS will depend on the reliability and continuity of
communications and on the ability to provide good 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.
2.1.4 The precise objectives of any vessel traffic service will
depend upon the particular circumstances in the VTS area and the volume and
character of maritime traffic as set forth in 3.2 of these Guidelines and
Criteria.
2.2 Responsibilities and
liability
2.2.1 Where two or more Governments have a common interest in
establishing a VTS in a particular area, they should develop a co-ordinated
vessel traffic service on the basis of an agreement between them. Where a
co-ordinated vessel traffic service is established, it should have uniform
procedures and operations.
2.2.2 In planning and establishing a VTS, the Contracting
Government or Governments or the competent authority should:
.1 ensure that a
legal basis for the operation of a VTS is provided for and that the VTS is
operated in accordance with national and international law;
.2 ensure that
objectives for the VTS are set;
.3 ensure that a
VTS authority is appointed and legally empowered;
.4 ensure that
the service area is delineated and declared a VTS area; where appropriate, this
area may be subdivided in sub-areas or sectors;
.5 determine the
type and level of services to be provided, having regard to the objectives of
the VTS;
.6 establish
appropriate standards for shore- and offshore-based equipment;
.7 ensure that
the VTS authority is provided with the equipment and facilities necessary to
effectively accomplish the objectives of the VTS;
.8 ensure that
the VTS authority is provided with sufficient staff, appropriately qualified,
suitably trained and capable of performing the tasks required, taking into
consideration the type and level of services to be provided and the current IMO
Guidelines on the recruitment, qualifications and training of VTS operators
given in annex 2;
.9 establish
appropriate qualifications and training requirements for VTS operators, taking
into consideration the type and level of services to be provided;
.10 ensure that
provisions for the training of VTS operators are available;
.11 instruct the
VTS authority to operate the VTS in accordance with relevant IMO resolutions;
.12 establish a
policy with respect to violations of VTS regulatory requirements, and ensure
that this policy is consistent with national law. This policy should consider
the consequences of technical failures, and due consideration should be given
to extraordinary circumstances that result.
2.2.3 In operating a VTS the VTS authority should:
.1 ensure that
the objectives of the VTS are met;
.2 ensure that
the standards set by the competent authority for levels of services and
operator's qualifications and equipment are met;
.3 ensure that
the VTS is operated in conformity with relevant IMO resolutions;
.4 ensure that
the VTS operations are harmonized with, where propriate, ship reporting and
routeing measures, aids to navigation, pilotage and port operations;
.5 consider,
where appropriate, the participation of the pilot both as a user and provider
of information;
.6 ensure that a
continuous listening watch on the designated radio frequencies is kept and that
all published services are available during the operational hours of the VTS;
.7 ensure that
operating procedures for routine and emergency situations are established;
.8 in a timely
manner, provide mariners with full details of the requirements to be met and
the procedures to be followed in the VTS area. This information should include
the categories of vessels required or expected to participate; radio
frequencies to be used for reporting; areas of applicability; the times and
geographical positions for submitting reports; the format and content of the
required reports; the VTS authority responsible for the operation of the
service; any information, advice or instructions to be provided to
participating ships; and the types and level of services available. This
information should be published in the appropriate nautical publications and in
the "World VTS Guide".*
_______________
* Refer to MSC
Circular 586 on the IALA/IAPH/IMPA World VTS Guide.
2.2.4 The liability element of an accident following compliance
with VTS guidance is an important consideration which can only be decided on a
case-by-case basis in accordance with national law. Consequently, a VTS
authority should take into account the legal implications in the event of a
shipping accident where VTS operators may have failed to carry out their duty
competently.
2.2.5 Contracting Governments should ensure that ships flying
their flag comply with the requirements of vessel traffic services. Those
Contracting Governments which have received information of an alleged violation
of a VTS by a ship flying their flag should provide the Government which has
reported the offence with details of any appropriate action taken.
The following guidance concerning the services that are rendered
by a VTS should be taken into account:
2.3.1 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 example 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.
2.3.2 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.
2.3.3 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 particularly relevant in times of
high traffic density or when the movement of special transports may affect the
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 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.
2.3.4 When the VTS is authorized to issue instructions to vessels,
these instructions should be result-oriented only, leaving the details of
execution, such as course to be steered or engine manoeuvres to be executed, to
the master or pilot on board the vessel. Care should be taken that VTS
operations do not encroach upon the master's responsibility for safe
navigation, or disturb the traditional relationship between master and pilot.
2.3.5 A VTS area can be divided into sectors, but these should be
as few as possible. Area and sector boundaries should not be located where
vessels normally alter course or manoeuvre or where they are approaching areas
of convergence, route junctions or where there is crossing traffic. VTS centres
in an area or sector should use a name identifier. The boundaries should be
indicated in the appropriate nautical publications and in the "World VTS
Guide".*
2.4 Communication and
reporting
2.4.1 Communication between a VTS authority and a participating
vessel should be conducted in accordance with the Guidelines and Criteria for
Ship Reporting systems and should be limited to information essential to
achieve the objectives of the VTS**. IMO Standard Marine Communication Phrases
should be used where practicable.
2.4.2 In any VTS message directed to a vessel or vessels it should
be made clear whether the message contains information, advice, warning, or an
instruction.
_______________
* Refer to MSC
Circular 586 on the IALA/IAPH/IMPA World VTS Guide
** Refer to the
Guidelines and Criteria for Ship Reporting Systems, paragraph 2.2,
Communication. Resolution MSC.43(64).
In order to perform the required tasks a VTS organization requires
adequate staff, housing, instrumentation and procedures governing operations
and interactions between the various elements. The requirements in each field
are determined by the particular nature of the VTS area, the density and
character of the traffic and the type of service that is to be provided.
Consideration should be given to the establishment of backup facilities to
sustain and maintain the desired level of reliability and availability.
2.5.2 Tasks that may be performed in
accordance with the service rendered
2.5.2.1 A VTS should at all times be capable of generating a
comprehensive overview of the traffic in its service area combined with all
traffic-influencing factors. The VTS should be able to compile a traffic image,
which is the basis for its capability to respond to traffic situations
developing in its service area. The traffic image allows the VTS operator to
evaluate situations and make decisions accordingly. Data should be collected to
compile the traffic image. This includes:
.1 data on the
fairway situation, such as meteorological and hydrological conditions and the
operational status of aids to navigation;
.2 data on the
traffic situation, such as vessel positions, movements, identities and
intentions with respect to manoeuvres, destination and routing;
.3 data of
vessels in accordance with the requirements of ship porting and if necessary
any additional data, required for the effective operation of the VTS.*
________________________
* Refer to the
Guidelines and Criteria for Ship Reporting Systems. Resolution MSC.43(64).
2.5.2.2 Vessel's reports by communication between vessels and the
VTS Centre should also be used as a major source of necessary data.
2.5.2.3 To respond to traffic situations developing in the VTS
area and to decide upon appropriate actions, the acquired data should be
processed and evaluated. Conclusions from the evaluation need to be
communicated to participating vessels. A distinction should be made between the
provision of navigational information, being a relay of information extracted
from the VTS sensors and the traffic image, and the provision of navigational
advice, where a professional opinion is included.
2.5.3
Operating procedures
Where operating procedures are concerned, a distinction should be
made between internal and external procedures. Internal procedures cover
operating instruments, interactions among the staff and the internal routeing
and distribution of data. External procedures cover interactions with users and
allied services. A further distinction should be made between procedures
governing the daily routine and procedures governing contingency planning such
as search and rescue and environmental protection activities. All operational
procedures, routine or contingency, should be laid down in handbooks or manuals
and be an integral part of regular training exercises. Adherence to procedures
should be monitored.
A VTS authority should have, if necessary for the operation of the
service, a database with the capacity to retain, update, supplement and
retrieve data once collected. Any data retained in a system for further use
should be made available only on a selective and secure basis.
2.6.1 Vessels navigating in an area where vessel traffic services
are provided should make use of these services. Depending upon governing rules
and regulations, participation in a VTS may be either voluntary or mandatory.
Vessels should be allowed to use a VTS where mandatory participation is not
required.
2.6.2 Decisions concerning the actual navigation and the
manoeuvring of the vessel remain with the master. Neither a VTS sailing plan,
nor requested or agreed changes to the sailing plan can supersede the decisions
of the master concerning the actual navigation and manoeuvring of the vessel.
2.6.3 Communication with the VTS and other vessels should be
conducted on the assigned frequencies in accordance with established ITU and
SOLAS chapter IV procedures, in particular where a communication concerns
intended manoeuvres. VTS procedures should stipulate what communications are
required and which frequencies should be monitored. Prior to entering the VTS
area, vessels should make all required reports, including reporting of
deficiencies. During their passage through the VTS area, vessels should adhere
to governing rules and regulations, maintain a continuous listening watch on
the assigned frequency and report deviations from the agreed sailing plan, if
such a plan has been established in co-operation with the VTS authority.
2.6.4 Masters of vessels should report any observed dangers to
navigation or pollution to the VTS centre.
2.6.5 In case of a complete failure of the vessel's appropriate