VESSEL TRAFFIC SERVICES (VTS) What are vessel traffic services?

Growth in international commerce and tourism as well as technical development has resulted in high traffic density in many sea areas. Moreover, vessels are bigger and faster. The approaches to pilot boarding stations, ports and river waterways are all areas of potential traffic congestion and complexity. To reduce the risk of collision in busy port waters as well as in more open coastal waterways vessel traffic services (VTS) have been implemented. Vessel traffic services are shore-side information processing systems which range from the provision of simple information messages to ships, to extensive management of traffic within a port or waterway. Information messages can include position of other traffic, defects in aids to navigation or meteorological hazard warnings. As stated in the IMO Resolution A. 857(20), the efficiency of a VTS will depend on the reliability and continuity of communications and on the ability to provide good and unambiguous information. Furthermore, the quality of accident-prevention measures will depend on the systems capability of detecting a developing dangerous situation and on the ability to give timely warning of such dangers.

Answer the multiple choice questions by ticking the appropriate alternative. 1. High traffic density is a result of A B C D traffic congestion growth in international commerce vessels getting bigger and faster technical complexity 2. Traffic congestion may occur in A B C approaches to ports pilot boarding stations all areas 3. vessel traffic services have been carried into effect to A B C reduce the risk of collision in open sea areas reduce the risk of collision in ports and coastal and waterways manage traffic in open sea 4. Vessel traffic services are A B C shore based information processing systems shore side navigation systems systems to manage all traffic 5. From an information message you can get A B C the exact position of your vessel information about deficiencies in buoys information about prevailing weather conditions 6. The efficiency of a VTS depends on A B C the ability to provide ambiguous information the continuity of communication the reliability of equipment used for communication 7. The system should be able to A B C develop a dangerous situation give timely warning of a dangerous situation detect the vessel which has developed a dangerous situation

What is the purpose of vessel traffic services? The purpose of vessel traffic services is threefold: firstly, to improve the safety and efficiency of vessel traffic, secondly, to improve the safety of life at sea and, thirdly, to protect the marine environment and the adjacent shore area, worksites and offshore installations from possible adverse effects of maritime traffic. For example in the event of pollution resulting from a collision or grounding, VTS helps to limit the effects by working with other shore-based agencies and by directing other vessels to avoid the area. Also, a VTS has a valuable role in helping to identify the source of the pollution. Vessel traffic services apply to all merchant and government vessels navigating in an area where these services are provided. Depending upon governing rules and regulations, participation in a VTS may be mandatory or voluntary. Participation by leisure craft is voluntary, but they, too, should follow the instructions given by the VTS Centre. One important feature in the legal position of the VTS is the possibility of giving instructions to vessels when the provision of information has not lead to the desired result. This might happen if a vessel is not acting in accordance with the agreed procedures in an area covered by a VTS. Fill in with the correct verb: improve, apply, avoid, identify, participate, protect, limit, follow. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. In the event of pollution, VTS directs other vessels to the area. Vessel traffic services the safety and efficiency of vessel traffic. Vessel traffic services.to all merchant and government vessels. Leisure crafts too shouldthe instructions given by the VTS centre. Leisure crafts may or may not..in a VTS. VTS helps tothe effects of pollution. Also, in the event of pollution VTS helps tothe source of pollution. Vessel traffic services ..the marine environment.

Answer the multiple choice questions by ticking the appropriate alternative. 1. The purpose of vessel traffic services is A B C to improve the profitability of vessel traffic to protect the marine environment from maritime traffic to increase the safety of vessel traffic and the safety of life at sea.

2. In the event of pollution, VTS A B C helps to identify the source of pollution helps to get the pollution offender into a court of law directs other vessels to the area of the pollution

3. Vessel traffic services are relevant to A B C merchant vessels only all vessels in the area all vessels in an area, except leisure crafts, which shouldnt listen to the instructions given by a VTS centre

4. Participation in a VTS A B C is obligatory for all vessels depends on governing rules and regulations is voluntary but highly recommended

5. If a vessel is not acting according to the agreed procedures, a VTS operator A B C D should be quiet and wait until the vessel has violated the agreed procedure should inform the vessel about the procedure should give instructions to the vessel so as not to waste time should inform the coast guard

What are the services provided? VTS allows identification and monitoring of vessels, strategic planning of vessel movements and provision of navigational information and assistance. It can also assist in prevention of pollution and co-ordination of pollution response. A clear distinction may need to be made between a Port and Harbour VTS and a Coastal VTS. A Port VTS is mainly concerned with vessel traffic to and from a port or

harbour or harbours, while a Coastal VTS is mainly concerned with vessel traffic passing through the area. A VTS could also be a combination of both types. The type and level of service or services rendered could differ between both types of VTS; in a Port or Harbour VTS a navigational assistance service and/or a traffic organisation service is usually provided for, while in a Coastal VTS usually only an information service is rendered. Match up the words in the left with the phrases in the right co-ordination provision identification strategic planning prevention level of of of of of of of of of of of of How do vessel traffic services function? The main tool of a VTS operator is a traffic image. It is a comprehensive overview of the traffic in the area combined with all traffic influencing factors. Technically, a traffic image is a combination of information from different sources. First, the ships movements are monitored by radar. Then, the computer combines the radar image with an electronic navigational chart which displays the fairway, its aids to navigation and the depth information. The VTS operators monitor vessel traffic on screens where ships radar echoes are identified and put under surveillance. The operators can monitor ships movements online, study their previous passage and predict their future path on the basis of the course and speed they hold. A VTS operator has specialised knowledge of the waterway and has, therefore, responsibility for managing the traffic in the area. The master of a vessel has knowledge of the behaviour of the vessel. Therefore, responsibility for safe navigation lies with the ships master at all times. Neither a VTS passage plan, nor requested or agreed changes to the passage plan, can supersede the decisions of the master concerning the actual navigation and manoeuvring of the vessel. Any instruction from a VTS to a vessel should be result oriented only, leaving the details of execution to the master, officer of the watch or pilot on board the vessel. Fill in with the correct word(s): navigational chart, the vessel, the waterway, a VTS passage plan, a traffic image, ships movements, a VTS operator, the ships master. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. ..cannot supersede the decisions of the master. Responsibility for the safe navigation lies with . An electronic..displays the fairway and aids to navigation. The main tool of a VTS operator is.. The master of a vessel has knowledge of A VTS operator has specialized knowledge of................................... The operators can monitor..online. .has responsibility for managing the traffic in the area. navigational information pollution response vessels service vessel movements pollution

Fill in with the correct word(s): comprehensive, combines, displays, responsibility, monitored, supersede, surveillance, lies, predict. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Responsibility for the safe navigation .. with the ships master. A VTS passage plan cannot .the decisions of the master. A traffic image is a.overview of the traffic in the area. Ships radar echoes are identified and put under.. First, the ships movements are..by radar. An electronic navigation chart.the fairway. A VTS operator has ..for managing the traffic in the area. The operators can ships future path. Then, the computerthe radar image with an electronic chart.

Automatic Identification System (AIS) The implementation of the Automatic Identification System (AIS) has considerably enhanced safety at sea. AIS is an aid to monitoring vessel traffic. The system makes it possible to get information about ships and their movements at intervals of a few seconds. Today, all ships of 300 gross tonnage and upwards are required to be fitted with shipborne Automatic Identification Systems. This requirement is met by installing a shipborne VHF transceiver which operates globally on two dedicated VHF channels. The shipborne AIS continuously and automatically transmits fixed, dynamic and voyage-related information and receives corresponding information from other ships. AIS can provide the following information for vessels within the radio range and for automatic display in the VTS Centre: 1) Position 2) Call sign and Name 3) IMO and MMSI number 4) Type of ship 5) Length and beam 6) Navigational status (Underway, at anchor, etc.) 7) Speed over ground (SOG)1 8) Course over ground (COG)2 9) Heading 10) Rate of turn (ROT)3 . The available voyage related information includes: 1) Type of cargo 2) Ships draught 3) Destination 4) Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA) . There is also a capability for shore to ship, ship to shore and inter-ship transmission of text messages. For VTS, the Automatic Identification System substantially improves monitoring of vessel traffic compared with traditional radar systems. All transponder targets within VHF radio range are automatically displayed and identified on digital charts. The influence of bad weather and target swapping experienced in radar echoes does not exist with the AIS technology. Answer the multiple choice questions by ticking the appropriate alternative: 1. Automatic Identification System has A improved safety at sea to some extent B reduced safety at sea to some extent C improved safety at sea a lot 2. Installation and operation of a shipborne automatic identification system is voluntary for ships of A 299 gross tonnage B 301 gross tonnage C 500 gross tonnage 3. A shipborne automatic identification system is based on A a VHF transmitter B a VHF transmitter and VHF receiver C a VHF receiver 4. Automatic Identification System provides A a traffic image B information via text messages only C information about vessel traffic D information for a VTS Centre but not for vessels 5. Information provided by the Automatic Data System includes A Estimated time of departure B Owner of the ship C Ships nationality D Ships position
1 2

The speed after allowing for the effects of currents, tidal streams caused by winds and sea The course after allowing for the effects of currents, tidal streams caused by winds and sea 3 the speed at which a ship is capable of turning at, measured in degrees per second

6. Transponder targets are displayed on A a radar screen B a digital chart C a screen of the VHF radio 7. AIS technology has A reduced the problem with target swapping B eliminated the problem with target swapping C increased the problem with target swapping Traffic Report. Vessels should make all required reports, including reporting of deficiencies, prior to entering a VTS area. The VTS Authority operating the VTS is responsible for providing mariners with information about the times and geographical positions for submitting reports, radio frequencies to be used for reporting and the form and content of the reports. When a ship contacts the VTS Centre, it should give its name, location, the planned route and planned anchoring (who, where, destination). The VTS Centre will confirm that it has received the report and will provide the vessel with the necessary information and instructions. A vessel must also give a traffic report after anchoring or after it has been made fast to the quay. A vessel manoeuvring irregularly must always give a traffic report. A report must also be given whenever circumstances so require. Entering report. Situation description: The M/S Marina is entering the Kotka VTS area and gives a traffic report on VHF channel 67. The Kotka VTS centre confirms that it has received the report and provides the M/S Marina with necessary information and instructions. Ship: Kotka VTS, this is Marina. VTS: Marina, Kotka VTS. Ship: We are passing the reporting point number 10. My ETA at pilot station is 1300 hours local time. VTS: Marina, Kotka VTS. You are in the Kotka VTS area. Proceed to Orrengrund Pilot Station. Information: Rig the pilot ladder on starboard side, one metre above the water. Make a boarding speed of six knots. Ship:Pilot ladder starboard side, one metre above the water. Boarding speed six knots. Is pilot ready for me? VTS: Yes, pilot on arrival. Traffic information: One outbound vessel, name Annegrecht, now passing Tainio light. Ship: Okay, traffic information received. VTS: Information: There are cable operations in position 277 degrees from the southern point of Kaunissaari island distance 4 miles. Wide berth requested. Ship: Cable operations in vicinity of Kaunissaari. Wide berth requested. Well received. Construct three sentences using the words provided after the formula: AN AGENT A vessel Choose from: AGENTS RECEIVERS VERBS OBJECTS TIME LOCATION and fill in:
1. AN AGENT A VERB a report of deficiencies A RECEIVER TIME LOCATION TIME LOCATION

A VERB AN OBJECT A RECEIVER TIME makes all required reports to a VTS centre

LOCATION prior to entering

a VTS area.

a vessel heading to the Kotka VTS centre gives the traffic report after entering Gulf of Finland

the VTS centre the vessel does her name after leaving a VTS area

a vessel mariners confirms a traffic report when entering the Kotka VTS area

the VTS authority to a VTS centre submits with instructions prior to entering VTS area

2. AN AGENT for the port of Kotka A VERB 3. AN AGENT A VERB that it has received

AN OBJECT

A RECEIVER via VHF

AN OBJECT and provides A RECEIVER AN OBJECT

Information Service. The aim of information service is to ensure that essential information becomes available in time for on-board navigational decision-making. The VTS Centre receives and provides information about conditions and events important to shipping and safety at sea. Priority is given to information that is of

immediate concern to the vessels in the area. Also vessels in the VTS area are obliged to report to the VTS Centre any observations that could affect safety at sea. The information service is provided by broadcasting information at fixed times and intervals or when deemed necessary by the VTS centre. Information can also be given to a particular vessel in conjunction with the vessels position report, on request or whenever circumstances so require. Information 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 vessels transit. Choose one of the alternatives in brackets: Marina, Kotka VTS. Information: The fairway (goes, is, runs, lies) ..on the west side of Tainio racon 4. Yes, I will (alter, shift, take turn)..course to port. The ship is (going, moving, proceeding, sailing) towards Tainio racon. Marina, Kotka VTS. Warning: You are (heading, moving, proceeding, running)..into danger. The fairway (goes, is, runs, lies) ..on the west side of Tainio racon. Okay, I will (leave, pass, overtake) Tainio racon..on my starboard side. Information: One outbound vessel name Finnmill (leaving, passing, overtaking, reaching) ..Orrengrund after ten minutes. Understood. Finnmill is (sailing, proceeding, coming, going).out. I can (look, observe, see, perceive) her on my radar screen. Information: There is a yacht race on the west side of Kotka lighthouse. The yachts are (heading, moving, sailing, turning) north west. Well understood. Example. Situation description: The M/S Marina has entered the Kotka VTS area and is heading for Kotka, the port of destination. The Kotka VTS centre notices that Marina is proceeding to deep water fairway pilot boarding position which is west of Kotka lighthouse. However, deep water pilot boarding position is for vessels with the draught of 10 metres or more. Marinas present draught is 7.5 metres. The Kotka VTS centre informs Marina that the pilot is boarding at the Orrengrund pilot boarding position, 1.5 SSW of Orrengrund. Now Marina is proceeding towards Tainio racon. VTS: Marina, Kotka VTS. Ship: Kotka VTS, Marina. VTS: Marina, Kotka VTS. Information: The fairway is on the west side of Tainio racon. Ship: Yes. I will alter course to port. The ship is proceeding towards Tainio racon. VTS: Marina, Kotka VTS. Warning: You are running into danger. The fairway is on the west side of Tainio racon. Ship: Okay, I will leave it on my starboard side. VTS: Information: One outbound vessel, name Finnmill, passing Orrengrund after ten minutes. Ship: Understood, Finnmill is coming out. I can see her on my radar screen. VTS: Information: There is a yacht race on the west side of Kotka lighthouse. The yachts are heading northwest. Ship: Well understood. Fill in the blanks with the appropriate prepositions: Kotka VTS , this is Marina Marina, Kotka VTS. We are passing (-, from, of, to).the report point number 10. My ETA (at, in on, to). Pilot boarding station is (at, -, about).. 1300 hours local time. Marina, Kotka VTS. You are (at, in, on)Kotka VTS area. Proceed (for, from, to) ..Orrengrund Pilot Station. Information: Rig the pilot ladder (at, beside, in, on)starboard side, one meter (above, from, of) the water. Make a boarding speed (above, of, under)six knots. Pilot ladder (at, to, -).starboard side, one meter (above, from, of)..the water. Boarding speed(above, of, under ).. six knots. Is pilot ready (at, for, to).. me? Yes, pilot (at, for, on).arrival. Traffic information: one outbound vessel, name Annegrecht, now passing (at, of, -) Tainio light. Okay, traffic information received.

Radio beacon- a buoy fitted with a radar reflector

Information: There are cable operations (at, in, on) . Position 277 degrees (for, from, to) the southern point of Kaunisaari island, distance 4 miles. Wide berth requested. Cable operations (at, on, in) vicinity (for, from, of) Kaunisaari. Wide berth requested. Well received. Match the words with their definitions: crossing outbound turning departing inbound crossing outbound turning departing inbound proceeding from harbour/anchorage to sea proceeding from sea to harbour or deck proceeding across a fairway, lane or route leaving a berth or anchorage making a large alteration of course

Navigational Assistance Service. The aim of navigational assistance service is to assist on-board navigational decision-making and to monitor its effects. This service is provided only on specified occasions and under clearly defined circumstances. 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 when deemed necessary by the VTS Centre. When navigational assistance service is provided the beginning and end of navigational assistance should be clearly stated and acknowledged. Not all VTS centres, though, are authorised to provide navigational assistance service. For example, Helsinki VTS or Kotka VTS do not provide vessels with any direct navigational instructions. Example. Situation description: The M/S MSC Marianna is in the Hightower VTS area. Suddenly the mate notices that only one radar is working. Visibility is 500 metres. He decides to request navigational assistance. The Hightower VTS starts navigational assistance and informs other vessels in the area. Ship: Hightower VTS, this is MSC Marianna. VTS: MSC Marianna, Hightower VTS. Ship: Information: We have problems with electricity on the bridge. Only one radar is working. I require navigational assistance. VTS: Understood. You have problems with electricity. Question: What is your position? Ship: Answer: My position is bearing 035 degrees, distance 5.5 miles from Landfall lighthouse. VTS: Bearing 035 degrees, distance 5.5 miles from Landfall lighthouse. I have located you on my radar screen. All information is based on VTS equipment. Stand by on channel 10. If you do not hear from me in one minute time, navigational assistance is ended. In that case go back to channel 71 and call Hightower VTS. Navigational assistance starts at 0920 local time. Ship: Okay. Navigational assistance is starting and is provided on channel 10. If I do not hear from you at one minute intervals, navigational assistance is ended and I will call Hightower VTS on channel 71. VTS: All ships, Hightower VTS. Traffic information: Container vessel MSC Marianna, just passed buoy number four, is receiving navigational assistance on channel 10 and is not monitoring any other VTS working channel. VTS: You are on the centre of the fairway, tendency to north. Bearing to the next buoy is 120 degrees, distance 2.2 miles. Ship: Thank you. Information: My next waypoint5 is in position 240 degrees and 0.2 miles from buoy number six. After that I will commence the turn to the next course which is 090. VTS: Next waypoint in position 240 degrees and 0.2 miles from buoy number six. Understood. VTS: You are on the northern buoy-line of the fairway, tendency to north. Bearing to the next waypoint is 140 degrees, distance 1.8 miles. Ship: Understood. I am on the northern buoy-line. Bearing to the next waypoint 140 degrees. I will alter my course to south. Ship: I am passing buoy number two and my navigational equipment is working now. I no longer require navigational assistance. Thank you. VTS: MSC Marianna, Hightower VTS. Information received. Navigational assistance ends at 0945 local time. Example. Engine problem
5

A position a vessel has to pass or at which she has to alter course according to her voyage plan

Ship: Kotka VTS, this is Marina. VTS: Marina, Kotka VTS. Ship: Kotka VTS, Marina. We have engine problems and I am manoeuvring with difficulty. VTS: Marina, Kotka VTS. Do you need assistance? Ship: Negative, no assistance needed. VTS: Understood. Keep me updated about your situation. -Ship: Kotka VTS, this is Nordic Star. VTS: Nordic Star, Kotka VTS. Ship: Intention: Nordic Star is ready to depart from berth number C5 to sea. Can I have clearance now? VTS: Negative. Do not proceed. Traffic information: Tanker Paula is just departing from oil terminal. Call VTS again after Paula has passed you. Ship: Well understood. We do not have permission to depart. We will stay alongside. I will call you again when tanker Paula has passed me. -VTS: Friedrich Russ, Kotka VTS. Ship: Kotka VTS, this is Friedrich Russ. VTS: Information: Outbound vessel Marina in the vicinity of buoy number 10 has engine problems and she is manoeuvring with difficulty. Advice: Keep minimum passing distance of 5 cables when passing her. Ship: Well understood. I will keep clear of Marina. Ship: Kotka VTS, Marina. VTS: Marina, Kotka VTS. Ship: My engines are working now and I can make a speed of 5 knots. I am still manoeuvring with difficulty. VTS: Understood. Traffic information: Outbound vessel Friedrich Russ has just passed buoy number 8. Ship: Friedrich Russ has passed buoy number 8 outbound. Okay. I will keep to the east side of the fairway. VTS: Friedrich Russ, Kotka VTS. Ship: Kotka VTS, Friedrich Russ. I heard that Marina is keeping to the east side of the fairway. I am passing Marina on her west side maintaining the minimum passing distance of 5 cables. VTS: Friedrich Russ, Kotka VTS. Thank you. -Ship: Kotka VTS, Marina. VTS: Marina, Kotka VTS. Ship: I still have problems with engines. Question: Where can I anchor? VTS: Question: What is your maximum draught? Ship: Answer: My maximum draught is 6.5 metres. VTS: Information: You must anchor in position 1.5 miles south from Tainio racon. Ship: Okay, I will anchor at given position. VTS: Call Kotka VTS after you have anchored. Ship: Okay, I will call Kotka VTS after I have anchored. Use the appropriate forms of the verbs to fill in the gaps. Choose from: constrain, alter, make, be, keep, permit, diverge, converge, steer. 1. Recommend you.your present course. 2. Recommend you..course to 125 degrees true. 3. Recommend you.course 345 degrees true. 4. You are..a dangerous course. 5. Vessel Autosan ahead of you ..on opposite course. 6. Vessel Peikko is ..by draught. 7. Maximum . draught is 11 metres. Traffic Organisation Service. Traffic organisation service is a service of VTS to prevent the development of dangerous maritime traffic situations and to provide for the safe and efficient movement of vessel traffic within the VTS Area. The aim of traffic organisation service is to prevent the development of dangerous maritime traffic situations and to provide for the safe and efficient movement of vessel traffic within the VTS area. The traffic organisation service concerns the operational management of traffic and the forward planning of vessel movements to prevent congestion and dangerous situations. Operational management of traffic includes 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. The service is particularly relevant in times of high traffic density or when the movement of special transport may affect the flow of other traffic. When necessary VTS gives instructions on the speed of vessels, prohibits vessels from overtaking other ships in the VTS area or specifies the right-of-way in narrow channels. The service may also include establishing and operating a system of traffic clearances or VTS sailing plans or both. A sailing plan is

a mutually agreed plan between a VTS Authority and the master of a vessel and concerns the movement of the vessel in a VTS area. Example. In the Helsinki or Kotka VTS area a vessel has to obtain permission from the VTS Centre to depart not more than five minutes before casting off from the quay or leaving the anchorage and must report its planned route. After checking the traffic situation, the VTS Centre will notify the vessel or other ships in the area and, if necessary, will specify the order of departure. A ship must notify the VTS Centre of any inability to keep to the planned departure time. If necessary, the VTS Centre will recommend an alternative route to the vessel. Situation description: The following happens in the Kotka VTS area. The M/S Janra gives a traffic report stating that she has left Halla lo-lo6 berth bound for Orrengrund pilot station and will be in the Strait of Ruotsinsalmi after 10 minutes. The M/S Greta is leaving Sunila quay bound for Halla via the Strait of Ruotsinsalmi. Ship: Kotka VTS this is Janra. VTS: Janra, Kotka VTS. Ship: Information: I am ready to depart from Halla and I am bound for Orrengrund. VTS: Traffic clearance. Janra has permission to depart from Halla to Orrengrund at 0900 local time. Ship: We have permission to depart. VTS: Traffic information: One outbound vessel Ladoga-53 has just passed buoy number 2 and tanker Berg is anchored in position one mile south from Vehkaluoto. Ship: Okay, thank you for your information. I can see Ladoga-53. .. Ship: Kotka VTS, Janra. We have 10 minutes to the Strait of Ruotsinsalmi. VTS: Janra, Kotka VTS. You have 10 minutes to the Strait of Ruotsinsalmi. There is no other reported traffic in the strait. Ship: Well received. .. Ship: Kotka VTS, this is Greta. I request clearance to depart from Sunila bound for Halla. I am just shifting berth. VTS: Greta, Kotka VTS. Negative. Do not proceed. Traffic information: Container vessel Janra has two minutes to the Strait of Ruotsinsalmi. I will contact you when she has passed the strait and the fairway is free. Ship: Well received. No permission to depart. I will remain alongside. Fill in the gaps with one of the following prepositions: alongside, at, for, to, in, from. departberth bound..a pilot station shift..berth number 2anchorage remainberth pass the Strait of Ruotsinsalmi enter ..a fairway leave..a fairway block .a channel Fill in the gaps in the dialogue based on the information given: The following happens in the Kotka VTS area. There are two vessels heading to the Orrengrund pilot boarding station at the same time. The M/S Margareta is coming from the SW and the M/S Silva from the SE. Kotka VTS calls Margareta informing her about Silva.Margareta responds that she can see Silva on her screen. She wants to know who will take pilot first. Margareta, this is Kotka VTS calling. Kotka VTS, Margareta. Margareta, Kotka VTS. . On your . Side is Silva and she is..Orrengrund Thank you for I can.. her on my. Question: Who is ..pilot first?................number one or is Silva.? : Silva is and you are

Which words or phrases belong together or are often used with each other in the VTS context?
6

Lift on /lift off or load on/ load off- vertical system of loading containers by shore based gantry cranes

assistance, from berth, alongside, clear, with difficulty, problems, speed, distance keep need have stay manoeuvre depart make maintain

MESSAGE MARKERS QUESTION indicates that the following message is of interrogative character ANSWER indicates that the following message is the reply to a previous question REQUEST indicates that the contents of the following message are asking for action from others with respect to the ship INFORMATION indicates that the following message is restricted to observed facts INTENTION indicates that the following message informs others about immediate navigational actions intended to be taken WARNING indicates that the following message informs other traffic participants about dangers ADVICE indicates that the following message implies the intention of the sender to influence the recipient(s) by a recommendation INSTRUCTION indicates that the following message implies the intention of the sender to influence the recipient(s) by a regulation.