VTS

Vessel Traffic Service-(VTS)

Vessel Traffic services, as defined by IMO Resolution A.1158 (32) Guidelines for Vessel Traffic Services, is:

Service implemented by a Government with the capability to interact with vessel traffic and respond to developing situations within a VTS area to improve safety and efficiency of navigation, contribute to the safety of life at sea and support the protection of the environment. The purpose of VTS is to contribute to the safety of life at sea, improve the safety and efficiency of navigation and support the protection of the environment within a VTS area by mitigating the development of unsafe situations through

• providing timely and relevant information on factors that may influence ship movements and assist onboard decision-making.
• Monitoring and managing ship traffic to ensure the safety and efficiency of ship movements.
• responding to developing unsafe situations.

This objective is achieved by integrating number of sensors like Radar, AIS, Direction Finder and Meteorological sensors, which provide an overall geographical picture of the area on Electronic Navigational chart and thus enables the VTS operator to continuously interact and guide the vessel in the VTS area.

The VTS- GOK established & maintained by the Directorate, covers the entire Gulf of Kutch. 09 nos. X-band radars are installed at Koteshwer, Jakhau, Chhachhi, Mandvi, Navinal, Kandla, Balachadi, Chudeshwer and Okha. 02 nos. S-band radars are installed at Okha and Jakahu. There are 06 AIS stations, 11 VHF stations comprising of 27 VHF sets and 06 meteorological sensors stations.