VTS Study Guide 2026
Everything you need to pass the VTS exam in one place: the exam format, every topic to study, real practice questions with explanations, flashcards, and full-length practice tests. Free, no sign-up needed.
📋 VTS Exam Format at a Glance
📚 VTS Topics to Study (65)
✍️ Sample VTS Questions & Answers
1. What does the term 'precautionary area' mean in VTS operational context?
A precautionary area is a routing measure where vessels must proceed with particular caution, often at intersections of traffic lanes or in areas with complex traffic patterns.
2. When plotting a vessel's track on a VTS chart, the operator notices the vessel is consistently making good a course 10 degrees to the left of its reported heading. This most likely indicates:
A persistent angular difference between a vessel's heading and its track made good indicates the influence of current or wind-induced leeway.
3. What is the purpose of 'track history' or 'track trail' displayed on a VTS radar or VTMIS screen?
Track history displays a series of past target positions as a trail, allowing operators to observe speed changes, course alterations, and unusual behavior patterns.
4. A vessel loses radar contact with VTS during dense fog in a high-traffic area. What should VTS do immediately?
Broadcasting a navigational warning alerts all vessels in the fog to the degraded VTS surveillance capability so they take extra precautions.
5. What does the proword 'WILCO' mean in maritime radio communications?
'WILCO' (Will Comply) indicates the operator has received, understood, and will act on the instructions.
6. What information is critical for VTS operators to share with vessels?
VTS operators provide critical navigational assistance to vessels. Sharing real-time information about current weather conditions, strong currents, restricted visibility, and known navigational hazards allows mariners to make informed decisions, adjust their plans, and take necessary precautions to ensure safe passage and prevent incidents.