VTS EXPLAINED
What is VTS?
Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) are shore-based systems that monitor and manage maritime traffic — similar in concept to air traffic control. Operating from purpose-built control rooms, VTS operators use radar, AIS, CCTV, and VHF radio to maintain a comprehensive picture of all vessel movements within their area.
VTS provides three core services: information (navigational, meteorological, and traffic data), navigational assistance (for vessels in difficulty or in complex situations), and traffic organisation (separation and sequencing of vessel movements). Governed by SOLAS Chapter V and IMO Resolution A.857(20).
Information Service
VTS broadcasts navigational warnings, weather, and traffic information on working VHF channels.
Nav Assistance
On request or proactively, VTS assists vessels navigating through complex or congested areas.
Traffic Organisation
VTS sequences departures and arrivals, issues movement permissions, and prevents conflicts.
MAJOR SYSTEMS
World's Busiest VTS Stations
VHF channels, coverage areas, and reporting requirements for the world's highest-traffic vessel traffic services.
Singapore VTS
MPA Singapore
Coverage Area
Singapore Strait, Johor Strait
VHF Channels
Ch 14 (Ops) / Ch 22 (Port)
Reporting
5 mandatory waypoints
Dover Strait VTS (CROSS Gris-Nez / MRCC)
MCA / French Maritime Prefecture
Coverage Area
English Channel TSS
VHF Channels
Ch 69 (UK) / Ch 79 (FR)
Reporting
Mandatory for vessels >20m
Port of Rotterdam VTS
Port of Rotterdam Authority
Coverage Area
Maas approaches to Port
VHF Channels
Ch 11
Reporting
Mandatory
Tokyo Bay VTS
Japan Coast Guard
Coverage Area
Tokyo Bay approaches
VHF Channels
Ch 16 / Ch 12
Reporting
Mandatory >500 GT
Hong Kong VTS
Marine Department Hong Kong
Coverage Area
HK Port limits
VHF Channels
Ch 12 / Ch 14
Reporting
Mandatory
495+ More VTS Stations
Full global directory with search, filtering by region, authority, and vessel type launching with HeyMariner.
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VTS DIRECTORY
Full VTS Directory
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