Development of the Vessel Traffic Service

Under implementation

Marine M

Accident

13.10.2020

2020-S38

Suosituksen perustelu

The core mission of the Vessel Traffic Service, in other words VTS operations, is to improve the safety and efficiency of vessel traffic. However, the VTS does not monitor or control the passage of road or commuter ferries, nor does it take the risks posed by, for example traffic volumes or vessels operated by a single crew member into account in its risk assessments. The operative models of VTS have in Finland remained essentially unchanged for its entire existence. During this time, VTS centers have been merged and the amount and complexity of technology used in them has increased. There have also been considerable advances in ships’ navigating systems.

Recommendation

VTS Finland develop its operating models, vessel traffic risk assessments and information systems so that vessel traffic controllers will have a real chance to detect imminent congestion or risks and take preemptive action to warn all traffic under their responsibility.

Toimenpide-ehdotukset

The core mission of the Vessel Traffic Service, in other words VTS operations, is to improve the safety and efficiency of vessel traffic. However, the VTS does not monitor or control the passage of road or commuter ferries, nor does it take the risks posed by, for example traffic volumes or vessels operated by a single crew member into account in its risk assessments. The operative models of VTS have in Finland remained essentially unchanged for its entire existence. During this time, VTS centers have been merged and the amount and complexity of technology used in them has increased. There have also been considerable advances in ships’ navigating systems.