MCA informs of UK Vessel Traffic Services

The UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) issued a Merchant Shipping Notice, concerning the Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) and identifying the UK VTS centres, ahead of the requiring compliance by shipping with regulations 6 and 7 of the Merchant Shipping Regulations 2004.

Specifically, the notice provides the formal identification of UK vessel traffic services (VTS) within UK waters, for the benefit of the compliance of shipping with the Regulations and SOLAS ChapterV, Regulation 12.

Regulation 2(1) of the Merchant Shipping (Vessel Traffic Monitoring and Reporting Requirements) Regulations 2004 defines a vessel traffic service as a service:

• which is designed to improve the safety and efficiency of vessel traffic and to protect the environment and which is capable of interacting with that traffic and responding to traffic situations developing in the VTS area; and
• which, in relation to a service operated by the United Kingdom, either alone or in conjunction with one or more States, is a service provided from within the United Kingdom which has been designated by the MCA in writing and is specified in a Merchant Shipping Notice (MSN).

Application

The Rules of the 2004 regulations apply to all ships except:

• all ships less than 300 gross tonnage;
• warships, naval auxiliaries and other ships owned or operated by the Government of an EEA State which are used for non-commercial public service;
• fishing vessels having a length of less than 45 metres;
• traditional ships having a length of less than 45 metres;
• recreational craft having a length of less than 45 metres.

However all vessels irrespective of size and type may be required to comply with VTS rules within port limits because of local port legislation.

The following table presents the designated VTS centres:

Further information may be found in the following document: