Understanding Vessel Traffic Services: Key to Enhanced Maritime Safety

Posted on May 19, 2024 at 10:05 PM

Improving the safety of maritime traffic and navigation has been a priority for all international authorities and organisations, thus, the integration and development of vessel traffic services is vital for all.

Moreover, the vessel traffic service (VTS) boosts marine traffic control and management in ports, waterways, seas, and oceans, as long as the area is VTS provisions covered with high efficiency of vessel traffic control.

Continue reading with us to discover all about vessel traffic service, how the VTS works, established types of vessel traffic services, and the great benefits of the implemented VTS. 

What Are Vessel Traffic Services?

Let us start the definition of the VTS term or vessel traffic services term by clarifying that it is a used term to describe designed maritime traffic management systems to improve the safety and efficiency of navigation operations on waters.

This integrated vessel traffic service (VTS) system works by sharing essential information and services to mariners about the traffic and movement of vessels in the controlled area to prevent collisions and other navigational threats, as well as to facilitate the professional and smooth flow of vessels.

The vessel traffic centre is usually responsible for the management and control of vessel traffic service (VTS) operations. This VTS centre is managed by a maritime authority or port authority that functions based on national and international maritime safety standards and rules.

In other words, the main concept behind the vessel traffic service (VTS) is improving marine safety by providing real-time monitoring, information dissemination, zone traffic management, and navigational assistance.

How does a VTS system work?

A Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) system works by employing a combination of technology requirements, human expertise, and procedures to monitor and manage active vessel movements located in a special maritime area. 

So, we can say that the vessel traffic service (VTS) works by combining surveillance, exchange communication, coordination, and assistance to enhance safety and efficiency in navigable waters through these levels:

• The tools and services of VTS employ various surveillance technologies to monitor and collect comprehensive data about vessel traffic within the designated area. Including radar, Automatic Identification System (AIS), and other sensors. 

• VTS operators continuously monitor vessel movements to identify potential maritime situations. And analyse the collected data to evaluate traffic density and patterns, moreover, anticipate any safety or navigational issues.

• Furthermore, the vessel traffic service operators manage the vessel traffic within the VTS area to prevent congestion, boost the efficient flow of maritime traffic, and guarantee safety based on their professional maritime safety training courses in London.

• Moreover, the VTS approaches maintain essential information and services to mariners operating within the VTS area. Including navigational warnings, weather updates, port operational information, and traffic conditions to the direction receiver.

The Key 4 Types of Vessel Traffic Services (VTS):  

Although all these types of vessel traffic service systems almost have the same components, yet they differ based on the level or area they function in and cover to ensure safe navigation for all ships.

1. Port Traffic Services (PTS): 

PTS is the VTS sector that focuses on managing vessel traffic within ports, ensuring efficient port operations, report effectiveness, and safe navigation even in busy waterfront areas.

2. Coastal Vessel Traffic Services (CVTS):   

CVTS provide normative support at the larger coastal areas outside of ports, providing traffic management service and navigational assistance to vessels navigating along coastlines.

3. Offshore Vessel Traffic Services (OVTS): 

OVTS are a competent application that is used in offshore areas with maritime installations like oil fields, and offshore wind farms, to monitor and facilitate safe vessel movement.

4. Inland Vessel Traffic Services (IVTS): 

IVTS operate on inland waterways to enable safe ship navigation in multi-tight and shallow waters, like rivers, canals, and lakes. 

The Benefits of Vessel Traffic Service:

Now, it is time to discover the great benefits attached to the implementation and installation of vessel traffic services:

• Managing Ship Traffic on Sea Routes and Ports:  

The real-time vessel traffic management and coordination directives associated with the VTS systems will ensure smooth operations, reduce typical delays, and boost maritime safety.

• Suggesting the Best Ways for A Vessel: 

Based on the collected maritime data, the VTS operator will share navigational advice and suggest better routes for vessels and ships to help them select the safest and most efficient pathways.

• Helping Avoid Collision:  

By continuously monitoring vessel movements and sharing early warnings and traffic advisories, VTS can effectively help vessels avoid collisions and navigate safely.

• Escape Congested Routes: 

Going through congested and busy waterways may cause delays and increase costs, and the VTS systems can identify congested routes and establish alternative pathways to vessels.

• Making Oceanic Routes Safer and More Efficient: 

The vessel traffic service (VTS) enhances the safety and efficiency of oceanic routes by sharing dynamic information, traffic management, and navigational assistance, to help vessels navigate with wide awareness, and confidence, and reach their destinations safely and on schedule.

Finally,

Vessel traffic services (VTS) are categorised as the best systems to boost safety with high efficiency, especially since they function within specified and controlled marine areas.

However, understanding the VTS systems and tools is essential to improve safety offshore and onshore.