Recommandation sur les Services de Trafic

International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities

Maritime dans les eaux intérieures
Recommandation AISM V-120
Juin 2001

Recommendation on Vessel Traffic Services

in Inland Waters
IALA

IALA Recommendation V-120

June 2001
Association Internationale de Signalisation Maritime
AISM

20ter, rue Schnapper – 78100 Saint Germain en Laye – France

Telephone : +33 1 34 51 70 01 Telefax : +33 1 34 51 82 05
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 IALA Recommendation V-120 on Vessel Traffic Services in inland waters – June 2001
IALA Recommendation on Vessel Traffic Services in Inland Waters

THE COUNCIL

RECALLING that one of the aims of the Association is to foster safe, economic and efficient
movement of vessels and the protection of the environment through the improvement and
harmonisation of aids to navigation and vessel traffic services world-wide..

NOTING Regulation V/8-2 of the 1974 SOLAS Convention, as amended, on Vessel Traffic Services
and the associated IMO Assembly Resolution A.857(20) on Guidelines for Vessel Traffic Services;

NOTING ALSO the responsibility of Governments for the safety of navigation and protection of the
environment in inland waters under their jurisdiction and that that a number of Governments have
requested guidance on vessel traffic services in inland waters to address these issues;

BEING AWARE that vessel traffic services have been provided in various areas and have made a
valuable contribution to the safety of navigation and improved the efficiency of vessel traffic flows
and the protection of the environment;

BEING AWARE ALSO of the use of vessel traffic services in inland waters and the increasing
participation in these vessel traffic services of vessels to which the SOLAS Convention does not
apply; and, for which the IMO guidelines are not entirely suitable;

RECOGNISING that:
1. In general the use of differing vessel traffic services in inland waters may cause confusion to
masters of all vessels moving from one vessel traffic service area to another; and,
2. In particular that the use of vessel traffic services in inland waters, which differ from vessel traffic
services in coastal, port approach and port areas, may cause additional confusion to masters of
maritime vessels when navigating in those inland waters;

RECOGNISING ALSO that the safety and efficiency of vessel traffic and the protection of the
environment would be improved if the establishment and operation of vessel traffic services in inland
waters was harmonised through international guidelines that are, as far as practicable, consistent
with the IMO guidelines.

HAVING CONSIDERED the proposals by the VTS Committee on guidelines for vessel traffic
services in inland waters;

ADOPTS the “Guidelines and Criteria for Vessel Traffic Services in Inland Waters” as set out in the
annex to the present recommendation;

RECOMMENDS:

1. Administrations, Competent Authorities and VTS Authorities to take these guidelines into account
when developing, implementing and operating vessel traffic services in inland waters where the
application of the Guidelines given in IMO Resolution A.857 (20) are not considered appropriate;

2. Masters of vessels navigating in inland waters in which vessel traffic services be encouraged to
make use of such services as are provided.

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 IALA Recommendation V-120 on Vessel Traffic Services in inland waters – June 2001
Annex

GUIDELINES AND CRITERIA FOR VESSEL TRAFFIC SERVICES IN INLAND WATERS

List of Contents

1. INTRODUCTION..................................................................................................................................4
2 DEFINITIONS AND CLARIFICATIONS ..............................................................................................4
3 GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR VESSEL TRAFFIC SERVICES IN INLAND WATERS..........5
3.1 Objectives .....................................................................................................................................5
3.2 Responsibilities and liability ..........................................................................................................6
3.3 VTS services .................................................................................................................................7
3.4 Communication and reporting.......................................................................................................8
3.5 Organisation..................................................................................................................................8
3.6 Participating vessels .....................................................................................................................9
4 GUIDANCE FOR PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTING VESSEL TRAFFIC SERVICES ....................9
4.1 Responsibility for planning and implementing a VTS ...................................................................9
4.2 Guidance for planning a vessel traffic service ..............................................................................9
4.3 Further guidance on vessel traffic services ................................................................................10

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 IALA Recommendation V-120 on Vessel Traffic Services in inland waters – June 2001

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 These Guidelines are in compatible with SOLAS regulation V/8-2 and IMO Assembly Resolution
A.857(20) and describe the principles and general operational provisions for the operation of a
vessel traffic service (VTS) and participating vessels in inland waters.
1.2 These Guidelines are based sub substantially on IMO Resolution A.857(20), with changes
introduced only to those elements needed to make them suitable for application in inland waters

1.3 Administrations should take account of these Guidelines when planning, implementing and
operating vessel traffic services in inland waters.

1.4 These Guidelines should be used in conjunction with the IALA VTS Manual and other IALA
Recommendations on VTS. However a careful assessment needs to be made to determine the
elements that are appropriate and applicable for use in VTS in inland waters.

2 DEFINITIONS AND CLARIFICATIONS

2.1 The following terms are used in connection with vessel traffic services in inland waters:

.1 Vessel traffic service (VTS) - a service implemented by a competent authority, designed to

improve the safety and efficiency of vessel traffic and to protect the environment. The service
should have the capability to interact with the traffic and to respond to traffic situations
developing in the VTS area.

.2 Competent authority - the authority made responsible, in whole or in part, by the

Government for safety, including environmental safety, and efficiency of vessel traffic and the
protection of the environment.

.3 VTS authority - the authority with responsibility for the management, operation and co-
ordination of the VTS, interaction with participating vessels and the safe and effective provision
of the service.

.4 VTS area - the delineated, formally declared service area of the VTS. A VTS area may be
subdivided in sub-areas or sectors.

.5 VTS centre - the centre from which the VTS is operated. Each sub-area of the VTS may
have its own sub-centre.

.6 VTS operator – a person, appropriately qualified by the competent authority, performing one
or more tasks contributing to the services of the VTS.

.7 VTS sailing plan - a plan which is mutually agreed between a VTS Authority and the master
of a vessel concerning the movement of the vessel in a VTS area.

.8 VTS traffic image - the surface picture of vessels and their movements in a VTS area.

.9 VTS services - VTS should comprise at least an information service and may also include
others, such as a navigational assistance service or a traffic organisation service, or both,
defined as follows:

.1 An information service is a service to ensure that essential information becomes

available in time for on-board navigational decision-making.
.2 A navigational assistance service is a service to assist on-board navigational decision-
making and to monitor its effects.

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 IALA Recommendation V-120 on Vessel Traffic Services in inland waters – June 2001
.3 A traffic organisation service is a service to prevent the development of dangerous
vessel traffic situations by planning and managing of traffic movements and to provide for
the safe and efficient movement of vessel traffic within the VTS area.

.10 Allied services -services actively involved in the safe and efficient passage of the vessel
through the VTS area.

.11 Hazardous cargoes - include those goods identified by national law as hazardous.

.12 Inland waters - waters landwards of the baselines which are established in accordance
with international law.

3 GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR VESSEL TRAFFIC SERVICES IN INLAND WATERS

3.1 Objectives

3.1.1 The purpose of VTS is to improve the safety and efficiency of navigation, safety of life
and the protection of the environment and/or the adjoining waterway banks, nearby
residents and enterprises from possible adverse effects of vessel traffic. A part of these
objectives of a Vessel Traffic Service may include promoting efficient transport and the
collection of data that may be required in order to evaluate the Vessel Traffic Service.

3.1.2 The benefits of implementing a VTS are that it allows identification and monitoring of
vessels, strategic planning of vessel movements and provision of navigational information
and assistance. It can also assist in reducing the risk of pollution and co-ordinating
pollution response. The efficiency of a VTS will depend on the reliability and continuity of
communications and on the ability to provide concise, accurate and unambiguous
information. The quality of accident prevention measures will depend on the capability of
the system detect developing dangerous situations and on the ability to give timely
warning of such dangers.

3.1.3 The precise objectives of any VTS will depend upon the particular circumstances in the
VTS area and the volume and character of vessel traffic as set forth in 3.2 of these
Guidelines.

3.1.4 The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) has developed guidelines on VTS
(A.857(20)) which can be used when planning and implementing a VTS. However, these
guidelines only address seagoing vessels that have to comply with the SOLAS
Convention (“maritime” vessels) and only address VTS in coastal, port approach and port
areas (“maritime” VTS).

3.1.5 VTS is also used in inland waters, not only in port approach and port areas but also
further inland. In all those areas non-maritime vessels also operate. To achieve the
objectives of a VTS in these waters these vessels should also be able to participate in a
VTS when desired. The IMO Guidelines on VTS are not always entirely suitable for these
waters and vessels. For instance, other means of communication between the VTS and
the vessel are used as not all non-maritime vessels have means of communication as
prescribed for maritime vessels in SOLAS chapter IV.

3.1.6 IMO has no competence over non-maritime vessels and inland waters. Some Competent
and VTS Authorities responsible for the inland waters are not involved in the activities of
IMO and might therefore not be aware of the IMO guidelines. When planning and
implementing VTS in inland waters meeting the needs of non-maritime vessels the
resulting “inland” VTS might differ substantially from maritime VTS.

3.1.7 Vessels move from one VTS area to another and different operation of VTS in the various
areas might lead to confusion to the masters of the vessels. Consequently, adverse
effects on achieving the objectives of the VTS might arise. As this can apply to masters of
inland vessels there is a need to harmonise inland VTS through international guidelines
suitable for application in all inland waters in a waterway system. As this can also apply to
masters of maritime vessels when entering inland waters these international guidelines
should be applied world-wide, should follow the IMO guidelines as closely as possible
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 IALA Recommendation V-120 on Vessel Traffic Services in inland waters – June 2001
and be used whenever the application of the IMO Guidelines is considered to be
inappropriate.

3.2 Responsibilities and liability

3.2.1 Where two or more Administrations or competent authorities have a common interest in
establishing a VTS in a particular area, they should develop a co-ordinated vessel traffic
service on the basis of an agreement between them. Where a co-ordinated vessel traffic
service is established, it should have uniform procedures and operations.

3.2.2 In planning and establishing a VTS, the Administration, Administrations or the Competent
Authority should:

.1 ensure that a legal basis for the operation of a VTS is provided for and that the VTS
is operated in accordance with all applicable law;

.2 ensure that objectives for the VTS are set;

.3 ensure that a VTS authority is appointed and legally empowered;

.4 ensure that the service area is delineated and declared a VTS area; where
appropriate, this area may be subdivided in sub-areas or sectors;

.5 determine the type and level of services to be provided, having regard to the
objectives of the VTS;

.6 establish appropriate standards for supporting equipment;

.7 ensure that the VTS authority is provided with the equipment and facilities necessary
to effectively accomplish the objectives of the VTS

.8 ensure that the VTS authority is provided with sufficient staff, appropriately qualified,
suitably trained and capable of performing the tasks required, taking into
consideration the type and level of services to be provided;

.9 establish appropriate qualifications and training requirements for VTS operators,

taking into consideration the type and level of services to be provided;

.10 ensure that provisions for the training of VTS operators are available;

.11 instruct the VTS authority to operate the VTS in accordance with relevant resolutions
and guidelines;

.12 establish a policy with respect to violations of VTS regulatory requirements, and
ensure that this policy is consistent with all applicable law. This policy should
consider the consequences of technical failures, and due consideration should be
given to extraordinary circumstances that result.

3.2.3 In operating a VTS the VTS authority should:

.1 ensure that the objectives of the VTS are met,

.2 ensure that the standards set by the competent authority for levels of services and
operator’s qualifications and equipment are met;

.3 ensure that the VTS is operated in conformity with relevant resolutions and
guidelines;

.4 ensure that the VTS operations are harmonised with ship reporting and routeing
measures, aids to navigation, pilotage and port operations, where applicable and
appropriate;

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 IALA Recommendation V-120 on Vessel Traffic Services in inland waters – June 2001
.5 consider the participation of the pilot both as a user and provider of information,
where applicable and appropriate;

.6 ensure that a continuous watch on the designated communication systems is kept

and that all published services are available during the operational hours of the VTS,
where applicable and appropriate;

.7 ensure that operating procedures for routine and emergency situations are
established;

.8 in a timely manner, provide the master with full details of the requirements to be met
and the procedures to be followed in the VTS area. This information should include
the categories of vessels required or expected to participate; radio frequencies to be
used for reporting; areas of applicability; the times and geographical positions for
submitting reports; the format and content of the required reports; the VTS authority
responsible for the operation of the service; any information, advice or instructions to
be provided to participating ships; and the types and level of services available. This
information should be published in the appropriate publications.

3.2.4 The liability element of an accident following compliance with VTS guidance is an
important consideration which can only be decided on a case-by-case basis in
accordance with national law. Consequently, a VTS authority should take into account the
legal implications in the event of a shipping accident where VTS operators may have
failed to carry out their duty competently.

3.3 VTS services

The following guidance concerning the services that are rendered by a VTS should be taken into
account:

3.3.1 An information service is provided by broadcasting information at fixed times and

intervals or when deemed necessary by the VTS or at the request of a vessel, and may
include for example reports on the position, identity and intentions of other traffic;
waterway conditions; weather; hazards; or any other factors that may influence the
vessel’s transit.

3.3.2 A navigational assistance service informs the master on difficult navigational or

meteorological circumstances or assists him in case of defects or deficiencies. This
service is normally rendered at the request of a vessel or by the VTS when deemed
necessary.

3.3.3 A traffic organisation service concerns the operational management of traffic and the
forward planning of vessel movements to prevent congestion and dangerous situations,
and is particularly relevant in times of high traffic density or when the movement of
special transports may affect the flow of other traffic. The service may also include
establishing and operating a system of traffic clearances or VTS sailing plans or both in
relation to priority of movements, allocation of space, mandatory reporting of movements
in the VTS area, routes to be followed, speed limits to be observed or other appropriate
measures which are considered necessary by the VTS authority.

3.3.4 When the VTS is authorised to issue instructions to vessels, these instructions should be
result-oriented only, leaving the details of execution, such as course to be steered or
engine manoeuvres to be executed, to the master on board the vessel. Care should be
taken that VTS operations do not encroach upon the master’s responsibility for safe
navigation, or disturb the traditional relationship between master and pilot, where
applicable.

3.3.5 A VTS area can be divided into sectors, but these should be as few as possible. Area and
sector boundaries should not be located where vessels normally alter course or
manoeuvre or where they are approaching areas of convergence, route junctions or
where there is crossing traffic. VTS centres in an area or sector should use a name
identifier. The boundaries should be indicated in the appropriate publications.

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 IALA Recommendation V-120 on Vessel Traffic Services in inland waters – June 2001
3.4 Communication and reporting

3.4.1 Communication between a VTS centre and a participating vessel or between participating
vessels should be limited to information essential to achieve the objectives of the VTS.
Communication should be clear, unambiguous and easily understood by as many as
possible of all participants. Standard reports and phrases should be used when
necessary. Where language difficulties exist, use should be made of a common language
as determined by the VTS authority.

3.4.2 In any VTS message directed to a vessel or vessels it should be made clear whether the
message contains information, advice, warning, or an instruction.

3.4.3 Traffic signals are regarded as communications facilities.

3.5 Organisation

3.5.1 Elements of a VTS

In order to perform the required tasks a VTS organisation must have adequate resources
and procedures governing operations and interactions between the various elements.
The requirements in each field are determined by the particular nature of the VTS area,
the density and character of the traffic and the type of service that is to be provided.
Consideration should be given to the establishment of back-up facilities to sustain and
maintain the desired level of reliability and availability.

3.5.2 Tasks that may be performed in accordance with the service rendered

3.5.1.2 A VTS should at all times be capable of generating a comprehensive overview of

the traffic in its service area combined with all traffic influencing factors. The VTS
should be able to compile a traffic image, which is the basis for its capability to
respond to traffic situations developing in its service area. The traffic image allows
the VTS operator to evaluate situations and make decisions accordingly. Data
should be collected to compile the traffic image.

This includes:

.1 data on the waterway situation, such as meteorological, hydrographical and

hydrological conditions and the operational status of aids to navigation;

.2 data on the traffic situation, such as vessel positions, movements, identities

and intentions with respect to manoeuvres, destination and routeing;

.3 data of vessels in accordance with the reporting requirements and if

necessary any additional data, required for the effective operation of the VTS.

3.5.2.2 Vessel’s reports by communication between vessels and the VTS centre should
also be used as a major source of necessary data.

3.5.2.3 To respond to traffic situations developing in the VTS area and to decide upon
appropriate actions, the acquired data should be processed and evaluated.
Conclusions from the evaluation need to be communicated to participating vessels.
A distinction should be made between the provision of navigational information,
being a relay of information extracted from the VTS sensors and the traffic image,
and the provision of navigational advice, where a professional opinion is included.

3.5.3 Operating procedures

Where operating procedures are concerned, a distinction should be made between
internal and external procedures. Internal procedures cover operating instruments,
interactions among the staff and the internal routeing and distribution of data. External
procedures cover interactions with users and allied services. A further distinction should
be made between procedures governing the daily routine and procedures governing
response to contingencies such as obstructions, calamities and environmental protection
needs. All operational procedures, routine or contingency, should be laid down in

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 IALA Recommendation V-120 on Vessel Traffic Services in inland waters – June 2001
handbooks or manuals and be an integral part of regular training exercises. Adherence to
procedures should be monitored.

3.5.4 Database
A VTS authority should have, as necessary for the operation of the service, a database
with the capacity to retain, update, supplement and retrieve data once collected. Any data
retained in a system for further use should be made available only on a selective and
secure basis.

3.6 Participating vessels

3.6.1 Vessels navigating in an area where vessel traffic services are provided should make use
of these services. Depending upon governing rules and regulations, participation in a
VTS may be either voluntary or mandatory. All types of vessels should be permitted and
encouraged to use a VTS where mandatory participation is not required.

3.6.2 Decisions concerning the actual navigation and the manoeuvring of the vessel remain
with the master. Neither a VTS sailing plan, nor requested or agreed changes to the
sailing plan can supersede the decisions of the master concerning the actual navigation
and manoeuvring of the vessel.

3.6.3 Communication with the VTS and other vessels should be conducted in accordance with
established procedures, in particular where a communication concerns intended
manoeuvres. VTS procedures should stipulate what communications are required and
which communication systems should be monitored. Prior to entering a VTS area,
vessels should make all required reports, including reporting of deficiencies. During their
passage through a VTS area, vessels should adhere to governing rules and regulations,
maintain a continuous watch on the assigned communication systems and report
deviations from the agreed sailing plan, if such a plan has been established in co-
operation with the VTS.

3.6.4 Masters of vessels should report to the VTS centre any observed dangers to navigation
or pollution of the environment.

3.6.5 In case of a complete failure of the vessel’s appropriate communication equipment the
master shall endeavour to inform the VTS centre and other vessels in the vicinity by any
other available means of communication of the vessel’s inability to communicate in the
appropriate manner.

3.6.6 Vessels should carry publications giving full particulars on governing rules and
regulations regarding identification, reporting and/or conduct in each VTS area to be
entered during the voyage.

4 GUIDANCE FOR PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTING VESSEL TRAFFIC SERVICES

4.1 Responsibility for planning and implementing a VTS

It is the responsibility of Administrations or Competent Authorities to plan and implement vessel traffic
services or amendments to such services.

4.2 Guidance for planning a vessel traffic service

4.2.1 Local needs for traffic management should be carefully investigated and determined by
analysing casualties, assessing risks and consulting local user groups. Where the risks
are considered VTS-addressable, or in cases where monitoring of the traffic and
interaction between Authority and participating vessels is considered to be essential, the
implementation of a VTS, as an important traffic management instrument, should be
considered.

4.2.2 A VTS is particularly appropriate in an area that may include any of the following:
.1 high traffic density;
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 IALA Recommendation V-120 on Vessel Traffic Services in inland waters – June 2001

.2 traffic carrying hazardous cargoes;

.3 conflicting and complex navigation patterns;

.4 difficult hydrographical, hydrological and meteorological elements;

.5 shifting shoals and other local hazards;

.6 environmental considerations;

.7 interference by vessel traffic with other waterborne activities;

.8 number of casualties in an area during a specified period;

.9 existing or planned vessel traffic services in adjacent waters and the need for co-
operation between neighbouring States, if appropriate;

.10 narrow channels, port configuration, bridges, locks, bends and similar areas where the
progress of vessels may be restricted;

.11 existing or foreseeable changes in the traffic pattern in the area.

4.2.3 In further deciding upon the establishment of a VTS, Authorities or Competent Authorities
should also consider the responsibilities, set out in 2.2 of these Guidelines, and the
availability of the requisite technology and expertise.

4.3 Further guidance on vessel traffic services

4.3.1 VTS Authorities should, in the planning of the VTS to be established, make use of
available manuals prepared by and published by appropriate international organisations
and associations.

4.3.2 The following references should also be consulted for further details and applicability:

.1 The IALA Vessel Traffic Services Manual

.2 The IALA/IMPA/IAPH World VTS Guide

.3 The IALA Recommendations relevant to VTS

* * *

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