VTS Emergency and Contingency Procedures 2

Question 1

When a vessel reports a steering failure in a confined channel, what is the VTS operator's FIRST priority action?

Accepted Answer

Alert all traffic in the vicinity to keep clear

Answer

Notify the port captain immediately

Answer

Request the vessel anchor immediately

Answer

Contact the coast guard duty officer

Question 2

A vessel reports a main engine failure while inbound in a narrow channel. Which contingency resource should the VTS operator recommend first?

Accepted Answer

Anchor deployment if depth permits

Answer

Helicopter evacuation

Answer

Immediate vessel beaching

Answer

Emergency tug assistance

Question 3

During a vessel fire emergency, what information must VTS immediately relay to the fire department?

Accepted Answer

Vessel type, location, cargo nature, and number of persons aboard

Answer

Vessel's fuel consumption rate

Answer

Berth assignment and estimated cargo value

Answer

Owner contact details and insurance information

Question 4

A chemical tanker reports a cargo spill entering the water. What is the VTS operator's correct sequence of notifications?

Accepted Answer

Coast Guard → port authority → environmental response team

Answer

Port authority → media → coast guard → EPA

Answer

Insurance company → port authority → coast guard

Answer

Environmental response team only

Question 5

What is the purpose of a VTS contingency plan's 'fallback position' for communications equipment?

Accepted Answer

To ensure continuity of VTS services if primary systems fail

Answer

To reduce operating costs during low-traffic periods

Answer

To allow operators to take breaks during quiet periods

Answer

To archive routine radio transmissions

Question 6

A vessel aground is blocking a main shipping channel. Which vessel should VTS give priority to in rerouting traffic?

Accepted Answer

Vessels carrying hazardous materials or with limited maneuverability

Answer

The largest vessel by tonnage

Answer

Vessels carrying the most valuable cargo

Answer

The vessel that requested routing assistance first

Question 7

What does the term 'MAYDAY relay' require a VTS operator to do?

Accepted Answer

Rebroadcast a distress call on behalf of a vessel that cannot reach rescue services directly

Answer

Acknowledge the distress call and take no further action

Answer

Forward the call only to the coast guard sector office

Answer

Record the call for later review