VTS MCC Kandla

Vessel Traffic services, as defined by IMO Resolution A.1158 (32) “A VTS is a service implemented by a competent authority, designed to improve safety and efficiency of vessel traffic and to protect the environment. The service should have the capability to interact with the traffic and to respond to traffic situations developing in the VTS area.”The Master Control Center (MCC) of VTS for GoK at Kandla in the port area was commissioned on 13th Feb 2012 since then it has been functioning smoothly and playing an important and pivotal role in ensuring safe navigation in Gulf of Kutch. Indian Navy, Coast Guard, BSF, Marine Police, Coastal Security, State and Central Intelligence Bureau have also been benefited by the service provided by Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) at MCC Kandla.

The VTS-GoK consists of various state of the art equipments which comprises of 09 X-Band Radar and 02 S-Band Radar stations, 06 automatic identification systems, 02 direction finders and 06 sets of meteorological sensors with data processing servers, network servers and database servers along with VHF. Data from all the sensors is collected through a microwave network for processing and integrated at Master Control Centre (MCC) Kandla. From server room at MCC, the processed data overlaid on ENC charts of the area and then distributed to master control consoles (04 VTS Operator, 01 Supervisor, 01 training and 01 Contingency consoles) for managing traffic deep water route, 06 Port Monitor Stations (PMSs, 02 for DPT and 04 for GMB) for managing and monitoring vessel traffic within the port area. It has also provided two monitoring stations at Okha & Jakhau to ICG and 01 no. at Okha to Indian Navy. Other ports (Mundra, Essar, Tuna, Reliance, Rozinex) are serviced through web client facility. VHF communication is used to interact with the vessels.

VTS-GoK is one of the largest VTS in the world covering an area of approximately 16000 square Kilometers. It provides service to the traffic transiting to & fro from 21 SBMs, 2 Major ports, 04 GMB ports& various minor/private ports. It was established with financial partnership of DGLL,DPT (then KPT) and GMB sharing the expenditure in capital cost in the ratio of 2:1:1 i.e dgll-50%, DPT- 25% and GMB – 25%.

India is a Maritime Nation with a coastline of more than 7500 kms dotted with a number of Major, Minor and Intermediate ports serving the hinterland. The state of Gujarat is one of the most industrialized and prosperous state in the country with a coastline of over 1700 kms. It also has the highest maritime activity with 41 Ports including Major and Minor ports and many more under development. Gujarat has the unique advantage of two major Gulfs – Gulf of Kutch (GoK) and Gulf of Khambat (GoK) which provide good natural depths and high tidal ranges which can be used as an advantage for deep draft vessels.GoK has a few of the most important ports in Gujarat including two largest ports of the country in terms of volumes.Over 70% of India’s crude oil imports are handled here through 11 SBMs. With the area close to the western border it is of considerable strategic importance. Presently more than 800 ships of various sizes including VLCCs, LPGs, large Cape-size bulk carriers etc. arrive in GoK every month and increasing day by day.

The scheme of establishment of VTS-GoK has been planned in the year 2001-02 to facilitate safe movement of vessels in the Gulf of Kutch, the safety and protection of environment and the security of the area.

Operational Staff for MCC:

VTS Manager (Outsourced) : 01 No. VTS Supervisor (Outsourced) : 01 No. in each shift (round the clock) VTS Operator (Outsourced) : 04 Nos. in each shift (round the clock) SRT/RT (permanent/outsourced) : 01 No. in each shift (round the clock)

Along with Security and Housekeeping personnel round the clock on outsourced basis.

Master Ledger of VTS MCC Kandla(1.25 MB)