VTS Communication Procedures & Protocols 4

Question 1

A vessel is transiting a VTS area and its AIS transponder fails. What must the operator do?

Accepted Answer

Notify VTS and maintain enhanced radio watch on the designated VTS channel

Answer

Loss of AIS must be reported to VTS; the vessel must maintain enhanced radio contact to compensate for the loss of automatic position reporting.

Question 2

When a VTS operator issues a 'VTS Information' message, what type of authority does it carry?

Accepted Answer

Advisory — vessels receive guidance but retain decision authority

Answer

VTS Information is advisory in nature; vessel masters retain the conn and are responsible for their own navigation decisions.

Question 3

Which phonetic alphabet word represents the digit '9'?

Accepted Answer

Niner

Answer

The digit 9 is spoken as 'Niner' in aviation and maritime radio to prevent confusion with the German word 'nein' (no).

Question 4

What does a VTS operator mean when they tell a vessel to 'standby' on a VHF channel?

Accepted Answer

Remain on the current channel and await further communication

Answer

'Standby' instructs the vessel to remain listening on the current channel until called.

Question 5

In VTS operations, what is a 'Vessel Traffic Service Instruction' (VTSI)?

Accepted Answer

A mandatory directive that a vessel must comply with under applicable law

Answer

A VTSI is a mandatory directive; failure to comply may result in legal action under applicable navigation regulations.

(VTS) Vessel Traffic Services Operator Exam Practice Test