VTS Safety Procedures 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When two vessels report they are on a collision course in a VTS area, what is the VTS operator's role?
- Command both vessels to stop engines immediately
- Provide traffic information and recommendations; vessel masters retain the decision authority (Correct answer)
- Take direct control of both vessels via radio commands
- Transfer responsibility to the harbor pilot only
Correct answer: Provide traffic information and recommendations; vessel masters retain the decision authority
VTS operators provide information and may issue recommendations, but the master of each vessel retains final responsibility for safe navigation.
Question 2: A vessel carrying hazardous cargo reports a fuel spill in the harbor. What is the VTS operator's FIRST notification beyond the vessel?
- The vessel's insurance company
- The National Response Center (NRC) (Correct answer)
- The port's fuel supplier
- The local fire department directly
Correct answer: The National Response Center (NRC)
Federal law requires notification to the National Response Center for all reportable oil or hazardous substance spills in navigable waters.
Question 3: What does a vessel's bridge-to-bridge radio silence indicate to a VTS operator?
- The vessel has reached its berth successfully
- A potential emergency or communication equipment failure requiring follow-up (Correct answer)
- The vessel has switched to a secondary working channel
- Normal procedure during port entry
Correct answer: A potential emergency or communication equipment failure requiring follow-up
Unexpected radio silence can indicate an emergency or equipment failure, requiring the VTS operator to attempt contact and possibly alert SAR.
Question 4: Under the COLREGS, which sound signal indicates a vessel is operating in restricted visibility?
- One prolonged blast every two minutes (power-driven vessel underway) (Correct answer)
- Two short blasts
- Three prolonged blasts
- Rapid ringing of the bell
Correct answer: One prolonged blast every two minutes (power-driven vessel underway)
A power-driven vessel underway in restricted visibility sounds one prolonged blast at intervals of not more than two minutes.
Question 5: A vessel reports it has run aground in a shipping channel. Which VTS action has the highest immediate safety priority?
- Calculate the vessel's refloating tide window
- Protect the grounded vessel from traffic and prevent further incidents (Correct answer)
- Arrange salvage tug services
- Notify the vessel's classification society
Correct answer: Protect the grounded vessel from traffic and prevent further incidents
Immediately protecting the grounded vessel from traffic prevents collisions and secondary casualties while salvage is arranged.
Question 6: What information is typically included in a VTS vessel movement report upon departure?
- Cargo manifest, crew list, and insurance policy number
- Vessel name, destination, ETA, draft, and any special characteristics (Correct answer)
- Owner's financial details and charter party
- Pilot's license number and tug operator name
Correct answer: Vessel name, destination, ETA, draft, and any special characteristics
Departure reports include vessel identity, next port, estimated arrival, loaded draft, and any hazardous cargo or special characteristics.
Question 7: What is the significance of the IMO performance standard A.857(20) for VTS?
- It sets maximum speed limits for vessels in VTS areas
- It establishes guidelines for VTS services, operator training, and equipment standards (Correct answer)
- It defines the minimum crew requirements for vessels in VTS zones
- It mandates AIS installation on all commercial vessels
Correct answer: It establishes guidelines for VTS services, operator training, and equipment standards
IMO Resolution A.857(20) provides the international framework for VTS operations, including operator competency and service provision standards.
VTS Safety Procedures 3
When two vessels report they are on a collision course in a VTS area, what is the VTS operator's role?