GUIDELINES AND CRITERIA FOR VTS IN INLAND WATERS
PREAMBLE
1 These Guidelines are associated with SOLAS regulation V/8-2 and IMO Assembly Resolution A.857(20) and describe the principles and general operational provisions for the operation of a vessel traffic service (VTS) and participating vessels in inland waters.
2 Governments should take account of these Guidelines when planning, implementing and operating vessel traffic services in inland waters.
3 These Guidelines should be used in conjunction with the IALA VTS Manual and other IALA Recommendations on VTS, however a careful assessment needs to be made to determine beforehand which elements are appropriate and applicable for use in VTS in inland waters.
1 DEFINITIONS AND CLARIFICATIONS
1.1 The following terms are used in connection with vessel traffic services:
1.1.1 Vessel traffic service (VTS) - a service implemented by a competent authority, designed to improve the safety and efficiency of vessel traffic and to protect the environment. The service should have the capability to interact with the traffic and to respond to traffic situations developing in the VTS area.
1.1.2 Competent authority - the authority made responsible, in whole or in part, by the Government for safety, including environmental safety, and efficiency of vessel traffic and the protection of the environment.
1.1.3 VTS authority - the authority with responsibility for the management, operation and co-ordination of the VTS, interaction with participating vessels and the safe and effective provision of the service.
1.1.4 VTS area - the delineated, formally declared service area of the VTS. A VTS area may be subdivided in sub-areas or sectors.
1.1.5 VTS centre - the centre from which the VTS is operated. Each sub-area of the VTS may have its own sub-centre.
1.1.6 VTS operator - a person, appropriately qualified by the competent authority, performing one or more tasks contributing to the services of the VTS.
1.1.7 VTS sailing plan - a plan which is mutually agreed between a VTS Authority and the master of a vessel concerning the movement of the vessel in a VTS area.
1.1.8 VTS traffic image - the surface picture of vessels and their movements in a VTS area.
1.1.9 VTS services - VTS should comprise at least an information service and may also include others, such as a navigational assistance service or a traffic organisation service, or both, defined as follows:
1.1.9.1 An information service is a service to ensure that essential information becomes available in time for on-board navigational decision-making.
1.1.9.2 A navigational assistance service is a service to assist on-board navigational decision-making and to monitor its effects.
