Vessel traffic service

VTS Nijmegen, monitoring the river Waal in the Netherlands
Sign telling mariners to contact the Port of London vessel traffic service as they enter the Thames Barrier control zone

A vessel traffic service is a marine traffic monitoring system established by harbour or port authorities, similar to air traffic control for aircraft. The International Maritime Organization defines vessel traffic service as "a service implemented by a competent authority designed to improve the safety and efficiency of vessel traffic and protect the environment. The service shall have the capability to interact with the traffic and respond to traffic situations developing in the vessel traffic service area".[1][2] Typical vessel traffic service systems use radar, closed-circuit television, VHF radiotelephony and automatic identification system to keep track of vessel movements and provide navigational safety in a limited geographical area.

In the United States, vessel traffic services are established and operated by the Coast Guard Navigation Center. Some services operate as partnerships between the Coast Guard and private agencies.

  1. ^ National Research Council. Vessel Navigation and Traffic Services for Safe and Efficient Ports and Waterways: Interim Report. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press 1996.
  2. ^ "Vessel Traffic Services, Official website of the International Maritime Organization". Archived from the original on 2019-09-13. Retrieved 2019-09-17.