Vessel Traffic Services Operations NOS

These National Occupational Standards (NOS) detail the competencies required of a vessel traffic services (VTS) operator as defined within the Port Marine Safety Code (PMSC).

Often part of a larger team, the VTS operative is responsible for co-ordinating the movement of all vessels within the harbour area and ensuring a safe passage without risk of collision with other vessels or shore installations. The role requires the use of electronic tracking systems and various types of communications equipment.

Please note that VTS operators, supervisors and instructors must have relevant VTS certification to be qualified to international standards. Application for any of the following VTS certificates can be made via the MCA website.

• Operator logbook (V103/1)
• Supervisor endorsement (V103/2)
• Instructor endorsement (V103/4)
• Revalidation

The NOS were produced by Port Skills and Safety, in conjunction with the Vessel Traffic Services Policy Steering Group, operated through the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) and the United Kingdom Vessel Traffic Services Association (UKVTSA).

The full Vessel Traffic Services suite of NOS consists of the standards PSSVTS101-PSSVTS109, available free to download below.