Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) Operator

The VTS Operator shall

• Communicate with all vessels arriving at, departing from or operating within the Port.
• Monitor vessel movements within port limits, navigation channels and designated anchorages.
• Ensure compliance with Port Rules, local regulations and applicable maritime requirements.
• Monitor vessel traffic to ensure safe navigation and traffic separation where applicable.
• Ensure vessel movements are conducted with due regard for personnel safety, terminal integrity and cargo operations.
• Provide navigational information to vessels as required.
• Provide weather, tidal and sea-state information to vessels and stakeholders.
• Broadcast navigational and safety information via VHF radio.
• Undertake continuous radar surveillance of the Port and approaches.
• Undertake continuous AIS surveillance of vessel traffic.
• Monitor marine operations occurring within port limits.
• Maintain awareness of vessel schedules and planned movements.
• Coordinate vessel arrivals, departures and berth movements.
• Order and coordinate required port services.
• Ensure service providers are informed of vessel movement schedules.
• Disseminate operational information to agents, terminal operators and stakeholders.
• Maintain vessel traffic records and operational logs.
• Maintain and update the Port Management Information System.
• Support implementation of marine emergency response procedures.
• Initiate emergency notifications and escalation processes when required.
• Liaise with emergency response personnel and stakeholders during incidents.
• Report abnormal situations affecting navigation or marine operations.
• Support environmental protection by monitoring activities that may affect the marine environment.

The VTS Operator shall continuously monitor vessel movements using

• Radar systems.
• Automatic Identification Systems (AIS).
• CCTV systems.
• VHF communications.
• Meteorological monitoring systems.
• Vessel traffic management software.

The VTS Operator shall also

• Detect developing vessel traffic situations and communicate appropriate safety information.
• Monitor navigational hazards and abnormal vessel behavior.
• Monitor anchorages and anchoring activities.
• Monitor channel occupancy and marine traffic density.
• Assist in maintaining safe vessel separation.
• Record all significant vessel movements and operational events.

The VTS Operator shall

• Maintain a continuous weather watch.
• Monitor tidal information.
• Monitor wind, visibility, sea-state and meteorological conditions.
• Issue navigational safety information to vessels.
• Provide weather warnings and advisories.
• Notify stakeholders of weather conditions that may impact marine operations.
• Provide weather information relevant to cargo operations, loading activities and vessel movements.
• Maintain records of significant weather events.

The VTS Operator shall

• Initiate emergency notification procedures.
• Maintain communications during emergency situations.
• Coordinate information flow between responding parties.
• Support marine emergency response operations.
• Assist in vessel traffic management during emergencies.
• Maintain logs of emergency communications and actions.
• Participate in emergency drills and exercises.
• Escalate incidents in accordance with approved procedures.

The VTS Operator has authority to

• Communicate navigational safety information to vessels.
• Issue operational instructions within the scope of approved Port Rules and Procedures.
• Suspend or delay vessel movements when directed by authorized personnel or when safety requires escalation.
• Request operational information from vessels and stakeholders.
• Escalate safety concerns to the Port Operations Manager, Port Captain or appropriate authority.
• Activate emergency notification procedures as required.

The VTS Operator shall possess

• Fluency in spoken and written English.
• English language competency equivalent to IELTS 5.5 or higher.
• Graduation from a Marine Academy, Deck Department preferred, or an equivalent recognized institution.
• Good computer literacy.
• Ability to communicate effectively by radio and telephone.
• Ability to work shifts, including nights, weekends and public holidays.

Preference will be given to candidates possessing:

• Nautical or marine operations background.
• Previous vessel traffic management experience.
• Port operations experience.
• Navigation watchkeeping experience.
• Practical seagoing experience.
• Experience with AIS, radar and marine communication systems.
• Knowledge of LNG terminal marine operations.

• Higher-level education with science and mathematics background.
• Time at sea or attendance at a marine academy is preferred.
• English language training to IELTS 5.5 level or equivalent.
• Training delivered by a qualified English language instructor.

IALA VTS Training (V-103):

The VTS Operator shall successfully complete:

• VTS Induction / Underpinning Knowledge.
• VTS Nautical Knowledge.
• VTS Operator Simulator Training.
• VTS Radar / ARPA Training.
• VTS VHF Radio Training.

Local Training Requirements:

The VTS Operator shall additionally complete:

• Local familiarization training.
• Port Rules familiarization.
• Familiarization with all relevant marine procedures.
• Emergency response training.
• Equipment operation and performance testing training.
• Port Management Information System training.
• Stakeholder coordination procedures training.
• Any additional training required to perform VTS duties.

Refresher Training:

The VTS Operator shall attend refresher, revalidation and competency maintenance training as required to maintain safe operating standards.

The VTS Operator shall demonstrate:

• Sound understanding of navigation principles.
• Understanding of vessel movements and port operations.
• Strong situational awareness.
• Ability to multitask in a dynamic operational environment.
• Effective communication skills.
• Teamwork and cooperation.
• Sound judgement and decision-making capability.
• Ability to remain calm under pressure.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Good record keeping and reporting skills.
• Professional conduct and integrity.

The VTS Operator shall:

• Promote safe marine operations.
• Support environmental protection objectives.
• Comply with all Port Rules and Company procedures.
• Support maritime security arrangements.
• Report hazards, incidents and unsafe conditions.
• Participate in drills and emergency exercises.
• Maintain high standards of operational discipline.
• Support continuous improvement activities.