4. Vessel Traffic Controller/Operator is responsible for the
coordination of ships within the port or harbour.
They work to avoid collisions or incidents by managing
movements from a port control centre.
To help them meet this goal, Vessel Traffic Controllers/Operators
are well versed in the use of computerized Vessel Traffic
Management systems.
Working shifts to cover the 24-hour, seven days a week demands
of the role, Vessel Traffic Controllers/Operators may also offer
traffic information and arrange for Pilot boat to take Pilots out to
ships, tugs, mooring crew, mooring boats …etc.

5. The size of the port, and consequently the number of ship
movements have a bearing on the number of tasks expected of
the Vessel Traffic Controller/Operator.
However, Vessel Traffic Controllers/Operators will generally
operate radar and radio equipment, make use of nautical charts to
record a ship’s current position, plot courses, and forecast traffic
flows.
Communication is key to successful Vessel Traffic Control, and
operators will be in contact with the ship’s Master, shipping
agents, port/terminal operators, and metrological offices.
The Vessel Traffic Controller/Operator must also be able to handle
emergency situations as the port control centre is the
communication hub in any emergency situation.

6. Vessel Traffic Controllers/Operators are generally employed
directly by port authorities.
Most openings request knowledge of port operations to include
approaches, channel and port facilities, and shipboard experience
is often desirable.
However, while in the past VTS operators have in the main been
made up of ex-seafarers, increasing demand and a lack of
seafarers to take on these roles, has opened up this career to
candidates with little or no maritime experience.
Vessel Traffic Controllers/Operators keep the busy channels and
entrances to the world’s ports free of incidents through good
planning and communication.
Traffic Controllers/Operators need to keep cool head to sort out
the traffic flow puzzle to be able to plan and coordinate shipping
movements.

7. 1
• To communicate with vessel traffic in accordance with the port information service
procedures on navigational assistance and traffic management by means of radio
communication facilities provided.
2
• Operating equipment for communications, data analysis for establishment of a traffic
image.
3
• To transmit navigational information to aid a ship in difficult navigational or
meteorological circumstances or in case of defects or deficiencies to avoid accidents.
4
• To organize vessel traffic within the Authority’s area of jurisdiction in accordance with
planned movements and port’s traffic regulations & procedures,.
5
• To coordinate the use of the port’s assets (i.e. pilots, tugs & mooring parties) in
conjunction with the duty pilots for the safe & efficient movement of traffic.

8. 6
• Respond to emergency situations such as distress, marine pollution & other special
circumstances and ensure communication with all parties in such circumstances.
7
• Ships arrival & departure planning for the Marine Department.
8
• To effectively monitor anchorage control and provide Traffic guidance for safe
movement of vessels in the port.
9
• To handle disaster control in a effective and proactive manner.
10
• To provide management necessary information for discussion and decision making.

9. From all presented before we can figure out
how much sensitive and important co-
operation between Traffic Controller and
operator (Resources controller), Which will
help to control and operate the port in good
manner by applying port regulation and put it
into action with all concerned parties.
Source: Shipping, Ports and Road Transport