2.2.3.4 ensure that the VTS operations are harmonised with ship reporting and routeing measures, aids to navigation, pilotage and port operations, where applicable and appropriate;
2.2.3.5 consider the participation of the pilot both as a user and provider of information, where applicable and appropriate;
2.2.3.6 ensure that a continuous watch on the designated communication systems is kept and that all published services are available during the operational hours of the VTS, where applicable and appropriate;
2.2.3.7 ensure that operating procedures for routine and emergency situations are established;
2.2.3.8 in a timely manner, provide the master with full details of the requirements to be met and the procedures to be followed in the VTS area. This information should include the categories of vessels required or expected to participate; radio frequencies to be used for reporting; areas of applicability; the times and geographical positions for submitting reports; the format and content of the required reports; the VTS authority responsible for the operation of the service; any information, advice or instructions to be provided to participating ships; and the types and level of services available. This information should be published in the appropriate publications.
2.2.4 The liability element of an accident following compliance with VTS guidance is an important consideration which can only be decided on a case-by-case basis in accordance with national law. Consequently, a VTS authority should take into account the legal implications in the event of a shipping accident where VTS operators may have failed to carry out their duty competently.
2.2.5 Governments should ensure that ships flying their flag comply with the requirements of vessel traffic services. Those Governments which have received information of an alleged violation of a VTS by a ship flying their flag should provide the Government which has reported the offence with details of any appropriate action taken.
2.3 VTS services
The following guidance concerning the services that are rendered by a VTS should be taken into account:
2.3.1 The information service is provided by broadcasting information at fixed times and intervals or when deemed necessary by the VTS or at the request of a vessel, and may include for example reports on the position, identity and intentions of other traffic; waterway conditions; weather; hazards; or any other factors that may influence the vessel's transit.
2.3.2 The navigational assistance service is especially important in difficult navigational or meteorological circumstances or in case of defects or deficiencies. This service is normally rendered at the request of a vessel or by the VTS when deemed necessary.
2.3.3 The traffic organisation service concerns the operational management of traffic and the forward planning of vessel movements to prevent congestion and dangerous situations, and is particularly relevant in times of high traffic density or when the movement of special transports may affect the flow of other traffic. The service may also include establishing and operating a system of traffic clearances or VTS sailing plans or both in relation to priority of movements, allocation of space, mandatory reporting of movements in the VTS area, routes to be followed, speed limits to be observed or other appropriate measures which are considered necessary by the VTS authority.
2.3.4 When the VTS is authorised to issue instructions to vessels, these instructions should be result-oriented only, leaving the details of execution, such as course to be steered or engine manoeuvres to be executed, to the master on board the vessel.
