Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) are an established maritime system for managing vessel movements in high-traffic or environmentally sensitive areas. By facilitating real-time communication, monitoring, and response, VTS improves navigational safety, operational efficiency, and environmental protection. Often compared to air traffic control systems, VTS adapts similar principles to the maritime environment to ensure adherence to international and regional safety regulations while reducing collision risks and environmental hazards.

VTS centers, under the jurisdiction of national maritime authorities such as the Coast Guard, are equipped with technology including radar systems, AIS (Automatic Identification System), and VHF radio communication. These tools enable comprehensive vessel traffic monitoring and situational awareness. According to the International Maritime Organization (IMO), VTS systems are designed to meet the requirements of SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) Chapter V, Regulation 12 (IMO, 2000).

VTS Network in Greece: Strategic Operational Hubs

Greece has implemented VTS centers in major ports and harbors to regulate vessel movements and ensure compliance with safety standards. The VTS network includes the following locations:

  • Piraeus: Greece’s largest port, handling a significant share of commercial and passenger traffic.
  • Rafina: Serving ferry and cargo transport primarily to the Aegean islands.
  • Patra: A major hub connecting Greece to Western Europe.
  • Igoumenitsa: Supporting ferry operations to Italy and regional maritime traffic.
  • Kerkyra (Corfu): Managing tourism-driven and cargo vessel operations in the Ionian Sea.

These centers operate using a combination of radar surveillance, AIS data, and VHF radio communications, in line with IMO Resolution A.857(20) guidelines (IMO, 1997).

VTS Participation: Mandatory Compliance Requirements

Participation in the VTS system is regulated to ensure safe and efficient vessel traffic. Compliance applies to vessels meeting the following criteria:

  1. Commercial vessels exceeding 300 Gross Register Tons (GRT)
  2. Vessels with a Length Overall (LOA) greater than 50 meters
  3. Vessels with restricted maneuverability
  4. Vessels transporting hazardous or dangerous cargo
  5. Passenger vessels carrying more than 50 passengers

All participating vessels must maintain communication with VTS centers on the following VHF channels: 13, 14, 87, and 88.

Reporting Requirements: Protocols for Navigating VTS Areas

VTS centers rely on structured reporting frameworks to monitor vessel movements and maintain traffic awareness. The IMO’s Resolution A.857(20) outlines the standard reporting requirements to be followed globally (IMO, 1997).

1. Initial Report: Pre-Entry Notification

Vessels must submit an initial report 15 to 30 minutes prior to entering the VTS area.

Mandatory Report Elements:

  • (a) Vessel’s name, call sign, flag, IMO number, MMSI, and vessel type
  • (b) Current position (latitude and longitude)
  • (c) Destination and ETA (Estimated Time of Arrival)
  • (d) Speed and course
  • (e) Cargo details, including hazardous cargo (UN No., class, and quantity)
  • (f) Current draft and air draft (height above waterline)
  • (g) Fuel type and available quantity
  • (h) Total crew and passenger count (if applicable)

2. Departure Report: Pre-Exit Communication

This report must be submitted 15 minutes prior to departure from a port or anchorage within the VTS area.

Mandatory Report Elements:

  • (a) Vessel’s name and call sign
  • (b) Estimated Time of Departure (ETD)
  • (c) Cargo details, including hazardous cargo (UN No., class, and quantity)
  • (d) Fuel type and available quantity
  • (e) Total crew and passenger count (if applicable)

3. Arrival Report: Post-Berthing Confirmation

The arrival report must be submitted within 15 minutes following the completion of berthing or anchoring.

Mandatory Report Elements:

  • (a) Vessel’s name and call sign
  • (b) Position and the time of berthing or anchoring

4. Final Report: Pre-Exit Notification

This report must be submitted 15 minutes prior to exiting the VTS-monitored area.

Mandatory Report Elements:

  • (a) Vessel’s name, call sign, and flag
  • (b) Current position
  • (c) Intended port of destination

5. Exceptional Reports: Unplanned Situations

Immediate reports must be sent under the following conditions:

  • (a) Deviations from the pre-submitted sailing plan
  • (b) Incidents compromising navigational safety, such as mechanical failures, collisions, or environmental pollution
  • (c) Requests for additional information from the VTS center

The Role of VTS in Maritime Operations

The implementation of Vessel Traffic Services reflects the maritime sector’s shift toward advanced traffic management systems that prioritize safety, operational efficiency, and environmental protection. VTS systems, as defined under IMO guidelines, aim to reduce risks by ensuring clear communication and real-time vessel oversight.

Greece’s adoption of VTS in critical harbors aligns with international best practices outlined in IMO conventions, contributing to safer and more predictable maritime operations. By adhering to reporting protocols and regulatory requirements, vessel operators help create organized and efficient maritime corridors.

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