PARTICIPATION IN VESSEL TRAFFIC SERVICES
Vessels of 24 metres in length overall or more are obliged to participate in the vessel traffic services.
When navigating in the VTS area, vessels are required to maintain a continuous listening watch on the working channel used in the area.
More detailed instructions about the required reports and working channels can be found in the regional VTS guides.
Vessels navigating in the VTS area, which are not obliged to participate in the vessel traffic services, are recommended to maintain a listening watch on the working channel in the VTS area or sector in question.
OPERATIONAL HOURS AND LOCATION OF THE VTS CENTRES
In Finland the vessel traffic services (VTS services) are operated by the Finnish Transport Agency.
The sea areas at the Finnish coast are divided into six VTS areas. These are Bothnia VTS, West Coast VTS, Archipelago VTS, Hanko VTS, Helsinki VTS and Kotka VTS. In addition, Saimaa VTS operates in the Lake Saimaa region.
VTS services are provided 24 hours/day, year round. There may be operational interruptions due to technical problems or an unexpected shortage of personnel. Information about the interruptions is given as navigational or local warnings.
Saimaa VTS does not operate off season in the Saimaa Canal. Information about the start and end of the traffic season is given separately.
The traffic image of the VTS area and the related VHF radio communication is saved in the VTS centres. The recordings are stored for at least 30 days.
SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE VTS CENTRES
Vessel traffic services are provided as required in Finnish, Swedish and English.
Vessel traffic services include information, navigational assistance and traffic organization. One or several of these services can be provided in the VTS area.
Information is given to all vessels whenever necessary, when they report or when a vessel so requests. The information to vessels comprises matters which affect the vessels’ safe and smooth navigation. Examples of such information are other vessels in the VTS area, circumstances and the condition of the aids to navigation and channels.
The VTS monitors the vessel movements and when necessary informs vessels about any dangers threatening them.
Navigational assistance can be given to identified vessels on request or when deemed necessary by the VTS centre. Navigational assistance is only advisory and normative; the master of the vessel is still responsible for the manoeuvring of the vessel.
Navigational assistance may include information about the vessel’s position and bearings/courses over ground to for example the fairway centre line or the pilot boarding place. Bearings or COG’s can also be given so that vessels can pass navigational hazards, for example shoals, at a safe distance. The information provided is based on the data received from the radar or the AIS system used in the VTS centre.
Navigational assistance is provided at open sea, from the open sea to the vicinity of pilot boarding places and outer anchorages.
Vessel traffic is organized in order to improve traffic flow and safety. The aim is to prevent dangerous meeting and overtaking situations and congestion.
VTS can separate the vessel traffic in terms of time or distance according to the situation and circumstances, so that vessels are able to meet in a safe area.
In addition there are permanent areas where meeting and passing is prohibited within the VTS areas.
The services provided in the different VTS areas are described in the VTS regional guides [Master's Guide].
INCIDENTS
In exceptional situations, such as extraordinary weather conditions, search and rescue situations or any other incidents in which vessel traffic is restricted or put at risk, the VTS centre can temporarily close a channel or fairway section. In exceptional situations the VTS can also issue speed limits or instruct vessels to anchor.
Vessels must immediately report all incidents relating to maritime safety to the VTS centre. In case of accidents or risks of accidents, vessels should first contact the MRCC.
THE MASTER OF THE VESSEL – RESPONSIBILITY AND OBLIGATION TO REPORT
The vessel’s participation in the vessel traffic services does not affect the master’s responsibility for manoeuvring the vessel. If the master of the vessel, for a valid reason relating to the vessel’s safety, is unable to participate in the vessel traffic services, or to follow the instructions given by the VTS in exceptional situations, he must immediately inform the VTS centre about this.
