VTS Communication Procedures 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which SMCP phrase should a VTS operator use to instruct a vessel to reduce speed immediately?
- 'Proceed with caution in your area'
- 'Reduce speed — vessel approaching from ahead'
- 'Decrease your speed immediately' (Correct answer)
- 'You are proceeding at excessive speed — stop engines'
Correct answer: 'Decrease your speed immediately'
IMO SMCP includes the standardized instruction 'Decrease your speed immediately' as the correct phrase when ordering an urgent speed reduction.
Question 2: When two vessels are in communication with VTS simultaneously and their messages overlap causing interference, what should the VTS operator do?
- Instruct both vessels to stand by and call each one individually (Correct answer)
- Broadcast on Channel 16 to clear the frequency
- Ask the lower-priority vessel to switch to an alternate working channel
- Issue a general silence signal (SEELONCE MAYDAY) on the working channel
Correct answer: Instruct both vessels to stand by and call each one individually
The standard procedure is to ask all stations to stand by and then re-establish contact with each vessel individually to restore orderly communications.
Question 3: A vessel reports it is 'burdened' in an encounter situation. In VTS communication context, what does this mean?
- The vessel is overloaded and requesting weight restriction exemption
- The vessel is the give-way vessel and must maneuver to avoid the other (Correct answer)
- The vessel has a cargo restraint issue and cannot maneuver freely
- The vessel is anchored and unable to respond to traffic instructions
Correct answer: The vessel is the give-way vessel and must maneuver to avoid the other
A 'burdened' vessel is the older term for the give-way vessel — the one required by the Rules of the Road to maneuver to avoid collision.
Question 4: What is the purpose of a VTS 'traffic image'?
- A photographic record of vessels taken by VTS surveillance cameras
- A real-time mental or displayed picture of all vessel traffic within the VTS area (Correct answer)
- A printed schedule of vessel arrivals and departures for the port day
- A satellite image used to verify vessel position reports against AIS data
Correct answer: A real-time mental or displayed picture of all vessel traffic within the VTS area
The traffic image is the VTS operator's comprehensive, continuously updated picture of all vessels and their movements within the area of responsibility.
Question 5: A vessel requests permission to overtake another vessel in a narrow channel within the VTS zone. What should the VTS operator do first?
- Grant permission immediately since overtaking is always permitted in open waters
- Check the traffic image for conflicting traffic and consult with the vessel ahead before responding (Correct answer)
- Deny the request as overtaking in VTS zones is prohibited by federal regulation
- Issue a SECURITE broadcast and allow both vessels to negotiate directly
Correct answer: Check the traffic image for conflicting traffic and consult with the vessel ahead before responding
The operator must assess the traffic situation and confirm with the vessel to be overtaken before authorizing the maneuver, as consent and safety clearance are required.
Question 6: What does the abbreviation 'ETA' stand for in VTS position reports, and how should it be reported?
- Expected Time of Arrival, reported in UTC using a four-digit time group (Correct answer)
- Estimated Transit Approach, reported as bearing and distance from the pilot station
- Effective Traffic Advisory, reported by VTS to inbound vessels only
- Engine Telegraph Alert, reported when a vessel changes propulsion status
Correct answer: Expected Time of Arrival, reported in UTC using a four-digit time group
ETA means Estimated Time of Arrival and is standardly reported as a four-digit UTC time group (e.g., 1430Z) to avoid time zone confusion.
Question 7: When a VTS operator issues an instruction versus providing information, what is the key distinction?
- Instructions are always issued on Channel 16; information is provided on the working channel
- Instructions require vessel compliance; information is advisory and the master retains discretion (Correct answer)
- Instructions apply only to commercial vessels; information applies to all vessel types
- Instructions must be confirmed in writing within 24 hours; information requires no follow-up
Correct answer: Instructions require vessel compliance; information is advisory and the master retains discretion
VTS instructions carry a mandatory compliance obligation under applicable regulations, while information and advice are provided for the master's use in decision-making without removing their authority.
VTS Communication Procedures 5
Which SMCP phrase should a VTS operator use to instruct a vessel to reduce speed immediately?