Communication between ship and VTS

The role of the Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) is to contribute to the safety of navigation within the VTS maritime area by preventing the development of hazardous situations for the vessel, crew, and environment. This is achieved by providing timely and relevant traffic, navigational, and other information, which can assist crews in their decision-making processes. The VTS is staffed and adequately equipped to interact with maritime traffic by providing specific services and the capability to respond quickly in dangerous circumstances. Therefore, open and timely communication with the competent VTS is of utmost importance for navigational safety, including while the vessel is at anchor.
The rules on providing VTS services, the obligations of vessels, and the manner of ship-VTS interaction are detailed in navigation safety regulations and are made available to end users (vessels) as part of the system for the publication, distribution, and updating of official maritime navigation charts and publications.

Recipients: This safety lesson is intended for all participants in maritime industry that are obliged to use VTS services.