VTS (Vessel Traffic Services)

Vessel Traffic Services are shore-based services that monitor and manage vessel movements in a defined area, ranging from an information service to a navigational assistance service to a traffic organization service. SOLAS V/12 requires contracting governments to arrange VTS where the traffic volume or risk justifies it, and they may make participation mandatory in their territorial sea. IMO Resolution A.857(20) provided the long-standing guidelines, now superseded by Resolution A.1158(32). A VTS does not relieve the master of responsibility for the safe navigation of the ship.