VTS Regulatory and Legal Framework 4

Question 1

IALA guideline V-103 addresses VTS operator competency. Which organization is IALA?

Accepted Answer

International Association of Lighthouse Authorities

Answer

International Association of Marine Law Administrators

Answer

International Authority for Licensing and Accreditation

Answer

International Agency for Logistics and Admeasurement

Question 2

A VTS operator issues a traffic organization instruction to a vessel to delay departure. The vessel master disagrees. Under US regulations, the master must:

Accepted Answer

Comply with the instruction unless doing so would endanger the vessel or persons aboard

Answer

Immediately appeal to the Coast Guard Captain of the Port before complying

Answer

Comply without any right to challenge the instruction

Answer

Comply only if the instruction is in writing

Question 3

Under the Ports and Waterways Safety Act, who has authority to control vessel traffic in an emergency situation in a US port?

Accepted Answer

The Captain of the Port (COTP)

Answer

The harbor pilot on the vessel

Answer

The Port Authority Director

Answer

The Federal Maritime Commission

Question 4

Traffic Separation Schemes (TSS) adopted by the IMO are given legal effect in US waters through:

Accepted Answer

Coast Guard regulations implementing the IMO-adopted schemes under 33 CFR

Answer

Direct application of SOLAS without further US action

Answer

Presidential Executive Orders

Answer

State maritime law

Question 5

A VTS operator records a vessel's position report that contains false information. Under US law, this may constitute a violation of:

Accepted Answer

18 USC 1001 (false statements to federal agencies)

Answer

The False Claims Act only

Answer

The Privacy Act

Answer

The Freedom of Information Act

Question 6

Under SOLAS Chapter V Regulation 12, VTS services are defined as services implemented when warranted by traffic density or risk. 'Traffic density' refers to:

Accepted Answer

The number of vessels in an area relative to its navigational complexity

Answer

The average speed of vessels in the area

Answer

The gross tonnage of vessels using the waterway

Answer

The frequency of vessel communication in an area

Question 7

The concept of 'VTS authority' as defined in IMO Resolution A.857(20) means:

Accepted Answer

The competent authority designated by a government to operate the VTS

Answer

The master of the largest vessel in the VTS area

Answer

IALA as the international oversight body

Answer

The senior VTS operator on duty