Care should be taken that VTS operations do not encroach upon the master's responsibility for safe navigation, or disturb the traditional relationship between master and pilot, where applicable.
2.3.5 A VTS area can be divided into sectors, but these should be as few as possible. Area and sector boundaries should not be located where vessels normally alter course or manoeuvre or where they are approaching areas of convergence, route junctions or where there is crossing traffic. VTS centres in an area or sector should use a name identifier. The boundaries should be indicated in the appropriate publications.
2.4 Communication and reporting
2.4.1 Communication between a VTS authority and a participating vessel should be limited to information essential to achieve the objectives of the VTS. Communication should be clear, unambiguous and easily understood by as many as possible of all participants. Standard reports and phrases should be used when necessary.
2.4.2 In any VTS message directed to a vessel or vessels it should be made clear whether the message contains information, advice, warning, or an instruction.
2.5 Organisation
2.5.1 Elements of a VTS
In order to perform the required tasks a VTS organisation requires adequate resources and procedures governing operations and interactions between the various elements. The requirements in each field are determined by the particular nature of the VTS area, the density and character of the traffic and the type of service that is to be provided. Consideration should be given to the establishment of back-up facilities to sustain and maintain the desired level of reliability and availability.
2.5.2 Tasks that may be performed in accordance with the service rendered
2.5.2.1 A VTS should at all times be capable of generating a comprehensive overview of the traffic in its service area combined with all traffic influencing factors. The VTS should be able to compile a traffic image, which is the basis for its capability to respond to traffic situations developing in its service area. The traffic image allows the VTS operator to evaluate situations and make decisions accordingly. Data should be collected to compile the traffic image.
This includes:
2.5.2.1.1 data on the waterway situation, such as meteorological and hydrological conditions and the operational status of aids to navigation;
2.5.2.1.2 data on the traffic situation, such as vessel positions, movements, identities and intentions with respect to manoeuvres, destination and routeing;
2.5.2.1.3 data of vessels in accordance with the reporting requirements and if necessary any additional data, required for the effective operation of the VTS.
2.5.2.2 Vessel's reports by communication between vessels and the VTS centre should also be used as a major source of necessary data.
2.5.2.3 To respond to traffic situations developing in the VTS area and to decide upon appropriate actions, the acquired data should be processed and evaluated. Conclusions from the evaluation need to be communicated to participating vessels. A distinction should be made between the provision of navigational information, being a relay of information extracted from the VTS sensors and the traffic image, and the provision of navigational advice, where a professional opinion is included.
