VTS Regulatory and Legal Framework 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which regulation requires vessels in a VTS area to maintain a continuous watch on the designated VTS working channel?
- 33 CFR 26.03
- 33 CFR 161.21 (Correct answer)
- 46 CFR 83.01
- 47 CFR 80.305
Correct answer: 33 CFR 161.21
33 CFR 161.21 requires vessels participating in a VTS to maintain a continuous watch on the VTS designated working channel while in the VTS area.
Question 2: Under COLREGS, in a narrow channel or fairway, a vessel that can safely navigate only within the channel shall:
- Sound one prolonged blast every two minutes
- Keep as near to the outer limit of the channel as is safe and practicable
- Keep as near to the starboard side of the channel as is safe and practicable (Correct answer)
- Request VTS clearance before proceeding
Correct answer: Keep as near to the starboard side of the channel as is safe and practicable
COLREGS Rule 9 requires vessels in a narrow channel or fairway to keep as near to the starboard side of the channel as is safe and practicable.
Question 3: The IMO's ship reporting system guidelines recommend that VTS operators maintain records of vessel communications for a minimum of:
- 24 hours
- 7 days
- 30 days (Correct answer)
- 90 days
Correct answer: 30 days
IMO guidelines recommend that VTS centers maintain recordings of all communications for a minimum of 30 days to support incident investigation and review.
Question 4: What is the legal significance of the term 'shall' versus 'should' in VTS regulations and IMO guidelines?
- Both terms have the same mandatory meaning in maritime law
- 'Shall' denotes a mandatory requirement; 'should' denotes a recommended practice (Correct answer)
- 'Should' is more binding than 'shall' in international conventions
- 'Shall' applies to foreign vessels only; 'should' applies to domestic vessels
Correct answer: 'Shall' denotes a mandatory requirement; 'should' denotes a recommended practice
In regulatory and IMO document language, 'shall' indicates a mandatory requirement while 'should' indicates a recommended but non-mandatory practice.
Question 5: A foreign vessel entering a US VTS area is subject to US VTS regulations. This authority is based on the principle of:
- Flag state jurisdiction only
- Port state jurisdiction over vessels in internal waters and territorial sea (Correct answer)
- Exclusive flag state control at all times
- Mutual agreement between the vessel's flag state and the US only
Correct answer: Port state jurisdiction over vessels in internal waters and territorial sea
Port state jurisdiction allows the US to apply VTS regulations to foreign vessels operating in US internal waters and the territorial sea, consistent with international law.
Question 6: Under 33 CFR Part 161, a vessel that loses radio communications while in a VTS area must:
- Immediately anchor until communications are restored
- Notify VTS by any available means and await further instructions (Correct answer)
- Proceed to the nearest port at maximum speed
- Attempt to restore communications and continue if unable within 30 minutes
Correct answer: Notify VTS by any available means and await further instructions
Vessels experiencing radio failure must notify VTS by any available means (flare, sound signal, relay through another vessel) and comply with any instructions received.
Question 7: Which document provides VTS operators with the specific procedures, communication protocols, and local rules for their VTS area?
- The COLREGS
- The IALA VTS Manual
- The VTS User's Manual / Notice to Mariners (Correct answer)
- SOLAS Chapter V
Correct answer: The VTS User's Manual / Notice to Mariners
The VTS User's Manual (often published through Notices to Mariners) provides mariners and operators with the specific local procedures, designated channels, and reporting requirements for a particular VTS area.
VTS Regulatory and Legal Framework 3
Which regulation requires vessels in a VTS area to maintain a continuous watch on the designated VTS working channel?