2.2 Responsibilities and liability
2.2.1 Where two or more Governments have a common interest in establishing a VTS in a particular area, they should develop a co-ordinated vessel traffic service on the basis of an agreement between them. Where a co-ordinated vessel traffic service is established, it should have uniform procedures and operations.
2.2.2 In planning and establishing a VTS, the Government or Governments or the competent authority should:
2.2.2.1 ensure that a legal basis for the operation of a VTS is provided for and that the VTS is operated in accordance with all applicable law;
2.2.2.2 ensure that objectives for the VTS are set;
2.2.2.3 ensure that a VTS authority is appointed and legally empowered;
2.2.2.4 ensure that the service area is delineated and declared a VTS area; where appropriate, this area may be subdivided in sub-areas or sectors;
2.2.2.5 determine the type and level of services to be provided, having regard to the objectives of the VTS;
2.2.2.6 establish appropriate standards for supporting equipment;
2.2.2.7 ensure that the VTS authority is provided with the equipment and facilities necessary to effectively accomplish the objectives of the VTS
2.2.2.8 ensure that the VTS authority is provided with sufficient staff, appropriately qualified, suitably trained and capable of performing the tasks required, taking into consideration the type and level of services to be provided;
2.2.2.9 establish appropriate qualifications and training requirements for VTS operators, taking into consideration the type and level of services to be provided;
2.2.2.10 ensure that provisions for the training of VTS operators are available;
2.2.2.11 instruct the VTS authority to operate the VTS in accordance with relevant resolutions and guidelines;
2.2.2.12 establish a policy with respect to violations of VTS regulatory requirements, and ensure that this policy is consistent with all applicable law. This policy should consider the consequences of technical failures, and due consideration should be given to extraordinary circumstances that result.
2.2.3 In operating a VTS the VTS authority should:
2.2.3.1 ensure that the objectives of the VTS are met,
2.2.3.2 ensure that the standards set by the competent authority for levels of services and operator's qualifications and equipment are met;
2.2.3.3 ensure that the VTS is operated in conformity with relevant resolutions and guidelines;
