Job Description and Activities
Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) Operative is the term used to describe someone working in a harbour authority port control centre. Usually part of a larger team, the VTS Operative is responsible for co-ordinating the movement of all vessels in the harbour area, ensuring a safe passage without risk of colliding with other vessels or shore installations. The tasks will vary according to the size of the port and the number of vessel movements, but would normally include the following:
- Operating equipment – the equipment found in a port control centre would normally consist of marine radar, VHF radio, radio telephone, computer terminals, telephones, fax and telex. A VTS Operative would be expected to use this equipment when communicating with vessels and others involved with port/harbour management.
- Use of paper and electronic nautical charts – the operative would use nautical charts to record a vessels current position, plot courses and forecast traffic flows.
- Communicating effectively – a VTS Operative is required to communicate with various people including the ship’s master, port/terminal operators, Maritime Coastguard Agency, shipping agents, weather forecasters and, when required, the emergency services. They would receive information from the vessel regarding its intended movements and also provide information about weather and tidal conditions, the movement of other vessels in the area and berthing instructions.
- Handling emergency situations – the port control centre would be the hub of communication for any existing or potential emergency situation. The VTS Operative would be required to implement contingency plans and help to co-ordinate activity with the relevant parties.
The Working Environment
VTS Operatives must have excellent verbal communication skills, be able to work under pressure and as part of a team. Working hours and conditions typically include regular unsocial hours. There may also be some on-call requirement and shift or weekend work is very likely.
Salary
VTS Operatives usually earn between £17,000 and £22,000, depending on experience and the size of the port or harbour.
Entry Requirements
The standard qualification requirement for VTS Operatives is a certificate awarded by the Maritime Coastguard Agency (MCA), based on IALA V/103 standards. However, to complete this qualification you must be working as a VTS Operative. Qualifications are currently being developed that can be completed prior to employment.
Career Development
The next career stage for a VTS Operative is to become a VTS supervisor. Many organisations request specific training for the supervisory role, for example a valid MCA Vessel Traffic Services Certification Log with an MCA VTS Supervisor endorsement (V103/2), or STCW 95 II/2 Master’s Certificate of Competence. A foundation degree is currently being developed, with a pathway for this role.