Vessels Traffic Services V.T.S.

VTS is a service implemented in designated areas to improve the safety and efficiency of vessel traffic and protect the environment. This service has the capability to communicate and interact with vessel traffic and respond to traffic situations developing in the VTS area. The VTS centers are installed in areas under Coast Guard responsibility and are charged with enforcing sea traffic management regulations, in a manner similar to the one applied by air management centers.

In Greece VTS centers exist in the harbors of: Piraeus, Rafina, Patra, Igoumenitsa and Kerkyra.

Participation in the VTS is mandatory for the following vessels:

(a) All commercial vessels over 300 grt

(b) All vessels over 50m LOA

(c) All vessels of restricted maneuvering ability

(d) All vessels carrying dangerous cargo

(e) All passenger vessels carrying more than 50 passengers

Vessels should report on VHF Ch 13, VHF ch 14, VHF ch 87 and VHF ch 88 as follows:

Initial Report:

To be sent at least 15 minutes and not more than 30 minutes prior to entering the VTS area.

(a) Vessel’s name, call sign, flag, IMO no, MMS and type of vessel

(b) Position

(c) Destination and ETA

(d) Speed and Course

(e) Cargo and brief details of any dangerous cargo (UN No, class, quantity)

(f) Current drought and height above water level

(g) Fuel type and quantity

h) Number of crew and passengers (if any)

Departure Report:

To be sent at least 15 minutes prior to departure from port or anchorage in the VTS area:

(a) Vessel’s name and call sign

(b) ETD

(c) Cargo and brief details of any dangerous cargo (UN No, class, quantity)

(d) Fuel type and quantity

(e) Number of crew and passengers (if any)

Arrival Report:

To be sent at least 15 minutes after the end of berthing anchorage procedure:

(a) Vessel’s name and call sign

(b) Position and time of berthing or anchorage

Final Report:

To be sent at least 15 minutes before exiting the VTS area:

(a) Vessel’s name, call, sign and flag

(b) Position

(c) Port of destination

Other Reports:

To be sent:

(a) When there are any sailing plan changes.

(b) When an incident occurs relating to the safety of navigation or pollution of the environment.

(c) When further information is requested by the VTS.