VTS Traffic Management and Navigation 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When a VTS operator issues a traffic separation scheme (TSS) restriction, which vessel is generally exempt from following the prescribed traffic lanes?
- Container ships over 300 GT
- Fishing vessels engaged in fishing within the scheme (Correct answer)
- Vessels crossing the separation zone at right angles
- Tankers carrying hazardous cargo
Correct answer: Fishing vessels engaged in fishing within the scheme
Fishing vessels engaged in fishing within a TSS are generally exempt from following the traffic lanes under COLREGS Rule 10.
Question 2: A VTS operator observes two vessels on converging courses in a monitored area. The stand-on vessel fails to maintain course and speed. What action should the VTS operator take first?
- Direct the give-way vessel to alter course immediately
- Contact the stand-on vessel to verify its intentions
- Alert both vessels to the developing close-quarters situation (Correct answer)
- Declare an emergency and notify the Coast Guard
Correct answer: Alert both vessels to the developing close-quarters situation
The VTS operator's primary role is to provide navigational safety information, so alerting both vessels to the situation is the appropriate first action.
Question 3: Which document establishes the legal framework for Vessel Traffic Services in US navigable waters?
- The Ports and Waterways Safety Act (PWSA) (Correct answer)
- The Merchant Marine Act of 1936
- The Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002
- The Oil Pollution Act of 1990
Correct answer: The Ports and Waterways Safety Act (PWSA)
The Ports and Waterways Safety Act (PWSA) of 1972 provides the legal authority for establishing VTS in US waters.
Question 4: A vessel reports its position as '5 cables south of the main channel buoy.' How does a VTS operator convert this for plotting purposes?
- 0.5 nautical miles south (Correct answer)
- 5 nautical miles south
- 0.5 kilometers south
- 500 meters south
Correct answer: 0.5 nautical miles south
One cable equals one-tenth of a nautical mile, so 5 cables equals 0.5 nautical miles.
Question 5: In a VTS area, a vessel requests permission to deviate from the designated anchorage due to equipment failure. Which principle guides the VTS operator's response?
- Deny all requests that deviate from published procedures
- Evaluate safety implications and coordinate with relevant authorities (Correct answer)
- Grant permission automatically for any equipment casualty
- Refer the vessel to the port authority without comment
Correct answer: Evaluate safety implications and coordinate with relevant authorities
VTS operators must evaluate safety implications and coordinate with relevant authorities when handling requests for deviation from standard procedures.
Question 6: What is the primary purpose of a vessel traffic management plan (VTMP) in a VTS area?
- To bill vessel operators for VTS services
- To establish a framework for safe, efficient, and environmentally sound traffic flow (Correct answer)
- To replace COLREGS within the VTS zone
- To assign berthing priorities to commercial vessels
Correct answer: To establish a framework for safe, efficient, and environmentally sound traffic flow
A VTMP establishes the framework for managing vessel movements to ensure safety, efficiency, and environmental protection within the VTS area.
Question 7: A VTS operator detects a vessel on radar that has not made a required position report. After one attempt to contact the vessel by VHF, what is the next recommended action?
- Log the failure and take no further action
- Attempt contact on an alternative channel or via another vessel (Correct answer)
- Immediately notify law enforcement
- Broadcast a general warning about the unresponsive vessel
Correct answer: Attempt contact on an alternative channel or via another vessel
Standard VTS protocol calls for attempting contact on alternative channels or through relay before escalating to other agencies.
VTS Traffic Management and Navigation 2
When a VTS operator issues a traffic separation scheme (TSS) restriction, which vessel is generally exempt from following the prescribed traffic lanes?