VTS providers

An entity must apply to be authorised to provide a vessel traffic service.

To become a VTS provider an entity must apply to be authorised under the Navigation Act.

An audit process is completed to assess:

There needs to be a vessel traffic service for the proposed VTS area.
The applicant can meet the responsibilities of a VTS provider that are mentioned in paragraph 5.3 of IMO Resolution A.1158(32) Guidelines for Vessel Traffic Services.
The applicant can meet the responsibilities of a VTS provider that are mentioned in the normative provisions of IALA Standards 1010, 1040, 1050 and 1070.

A VTS provider will be issued with an instrument of authority for a period of five years, as long as they continue to meet the authorisation requirements.

Note: Where a VTS provider intends to continue to provide a vessel traffic service after the expiration of its instrument of authority, the VTS provider must apply for a new instrument of authority at least 90 days before the existing instrument of authority expires.

What do you need to do?

Authorisation as a VTS provider Amending Instrument of Authority

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1. Submit application to AMSA

An application must address the following:

describe the proposed VTS area
describe the proposed VTS operational objectives and indicate how they will contribute to the safety and efficiency of ship traffic and the protection of the environment.
state how they will meet the responsibilities of a VTS provider that are mentioned in paragraph 5.3 of IMO Resolution A.1158(32) Guidelines for Vessel Traffic Services
completion of any other forms required by AMSA.

2. Assessment of Application

AMSA may conduct an audit to assess if there needs to be a vessel traffic service for the proposed VTS area and the applicant can meet the responsibilities of a VTS provider.

An audit report will be prepared. A corrective action plan may be developed to allow the entity to address any minor non-conformances or observations from the audit.

We will advise of estimated costs for services associated with processing an application and conducting the compliance audit. Cost recovery will be in accordance with Australian Maritime Safety Authority Fees Determination 2015

3. Issue of an Instrument of Authority

AMSA may issue an instrument of authority where the applicant has demonstrated:

there needs to be a vessel traffic service for the proposed VTS area; and
the applicant can meet the responsibilities of a VTS provider that are mentioned in paragraph 5.3 of IMO Resolution A.1158(32) Guidelines for Vessel Traffic Services; and
the applicant can meet the responsibilities of a VTS provider that are mentioned in the normative provisions of IALA Standards 1010, 1040, 1050 and 1070.

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A VTS provider may on their own initiative apply to have amendments made to their instrument of authority. For example:

to change the boundaries of the VTS area
to change details in the instrument of authority that are no longer accurate.

Assessment of the amendments

We will assess the proposed amendments against the following criteria:

The amendment is consistent with the objective of improving the safety and efficiency of vessel traffic and protection of the environment; and
The applicant can continue to meet the responsibilities of a VTS provider that are mentioned in paragraph 5.3 of IMO Resolution A.1158(32) Guidelines for Vessel Traffic Services
the applicant can meet the responsibilities of a VTS provider that are mentioned in the normative provisions of IALA Standards 1010, 1040, 1050 and 1070.