VTS is recognised internationally as a navigational safety measure through the International Convention on the Safety of Life at Sea 74/78 (SOLAS). In particular, the provisions in SOLAS Chapter V (Safety of Navigation) Regulation 12 provides for Vessel Traffic Services and states, amongst other things, that:

• “Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) contribute to safety of life at sea, safety and efficiency of navigation and protection of the marine environment, adjacent shore areas, work sites and offshore installations from possible adverse effects of maritime traffic.”, and
• “Governments may establish VTS when, in their opinion, the volume of traffic or the degree of risk justifies such services.”

IMO Resolution A.1158(32) Guidelines for Vessel Traffic Services describes the purpose of VTS, the regulatory and legal framework for establishing and operating VTS, the roles and responsibilities of Contracting Governments, competent authorities, VTS providers and participating ships and the qualifications and training requirements for VTS personnel.

VTS achieves its purpose by monitoring ship traffic and interacting with ships to provide information or issue advice, warnings, and instructions:

• On factors that may influence ship movements and assist onboard decision-making.  This may include, for example:
  • position, identity, intention, and movements of ships.
  • maritime safety information.
  • limitations of ships in the VTS area that may impose restrictions on the navigation of other ships (e.g. manoeuvrability), or any other potential hindrances.
• To manage ship traffic to ensure the safety and efficiency of ship movements.  This may include, for example:
  • planning ship movements in advance.
  • organizing ships under way.
  • organizing space allocation.
• To respond to developing unsafe situations. This may include, for example:
  • a ship unsure of its route or position.
  • a ship deviating from the route.
  • a ship at risk of grounding or collision.

IMO Resolution A.1158(32) also provides the basis for governments to establish the regulatory framework for participating ships, under national law, to:

• provide reports or information required by VTS;
• take into account the information provided, or advice and warnings issued, by VTS;
• comply with the requirements and instructions given to the ship by VTS unless contradictory safety or marine environment protection reasons exist.

IALA is recognized as an important contributor to IMO's role and responsibilities relating to VTS and  publishes standards and associated recommendations, guidelines and model courses specifically related to the establishment and operation of VTS to contribute to achieving worldwide harmonization of VTS.  For further information on VTS refer to the IALA VTS Manual – https://www.iala-aism.org/product-category/publications/manuals/

IALA International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities

IALA is a non-profit, international technical association. Established in 1957, it brings together authorities concerned with marine aids to navigation, as well as manufactures and consultants from all parts of the world, and offers them the opportunity to compare their experiences and achievements. IALA’s aim is to harmonize aids to navigation worldwide and to ensure that the movements of vessels are safe, expeditious, cost-effective and harmless to the environment. VTS documentation and standards in the form of standards, recommendations, guidelines, brochures and the VTS Manual are available free of charge for download under the “Publications” tab on the IALA website.

Aids to Navigation (AtoN)

Aids to navigation can take the form of fixed or floating marks that may be lit or unlit, including lighthouses, leading lines, buoys and beacons. A vessel traffic service (VTS) can also be categorised as an AtoN, albeit a very sophisticated and relatively costly one. The mix of AtoN used in a port or waterway is determined by means of a risk assessment, which takes into account the local geography, traffic patterns, vessel size and manoeuvrability, local hydrographic conditions and weather patterns. IALA publications include guidance on maintenance and location of AtoN.