Qualifications and training for VTS personnel

As per IMO Resolution A.1158(32) Guidelines for Vessel Traffic Services:

VTS personnel should only be considered competent when appropriately trained and qualified for their VTS duties. This includes:

• satisfactorily completing generic VTS training approved by a competent authority; 
• satisfactorily completing on-the-job training at the VTS where the personnel are employed; 
• undergoing periodic assessments and revalidation training to ensure competence is maintained; and
• being in possession of appropriate certification.

VTS providers must ensure that adequate policy and associated processes and procedures are implemented to:

• Manage the VTS training scenarios in a manner consistent with the intent of IALA Recommendation R0103 and this guidance.
• Ensure staffing levels are sufficient so the supervision of the person does not impact on the delivery of service.

Read the IMO Resolution A.1158(32) Guidelines for Vessel Traffic Services (PDF, 660KB).

Guidance 

VTS providers must ensure their operations satisfy the following qualification and training requirements for VTS personnel in Australia.

1. Generic Training

A person should only be permitted to carry out the duties of VTS personnel where:

1. They hold a C0103-1 VTS operator certificate awarded by an accredited VTS training organisation#, and
2. Have satisfactorily completed On-the-Job Training* (OJT) at the VTS Centre at which the person is employed.

OR

1. Pending completion of a C0103-1 VTS Operator course, the person in training must have satisfactorily completed OJT at the VTS centre at which the person is employed, and
2. The person in training operates under the supervision of VTS personnel who hold a C0103-1 certificate awarded by an accredited training organisation. 

# Note: A VTS training organisation means an organisation that has been issued a certificate of accreditation by AMSA under section 15 of Marine Order 64 (Vessel traffic services). This includes:

• They are a training organisation registered by any of the following:
  1. the Australian Skills Quality Authority
  2. the Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority
  3. the Training Accreditation Council, Western Australia.
• They meet the responsibilities of a VTS training organisation that are mentioned in the normative provisions of IALA Standard 1050. 

* Note: On-the-Job Training is required to achieve the knowledge, practical competence, skills, and attitude to undertake duties at the VTS where they are employed. Assessment of OJT should be carried out by a person/s appropriately qualified and experienced holding a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment or an IALA C0103-4 VTS On-the-job training instructor certificate. 

2.    Maintaining VTS Qualifications and Competency

IALA Guideline G1156 Recruitment, Training and Certification of VTS Personnel states:

The VTS provider should implement a process for revalidation to ensure competence is maintained. For example, revalidation of a VTS qualification is required when:

• the VTS certification is approaching its expiry date;
• there are changes in the physical environment of the VTS, or tasks which necessitate additional training for VTS personnel; or
• there is a break in service, unsatisfactory operational performance or other circumstances leading to a reduced level of competence.

Components of the revalidation process include:

• Performance assessments on VTS personnel are undertaken to ensure that the established standards continue to be met. These should be carried out at regular intervals, at least annually.
• Recurrent training - a structured training programme carried out at regular intervals to reassess the competency and proficiency of VTS personnel.
• Adaptation training - carried out when significant changes are expected, such as changes associated with equipment, regulations, operational procedures etc.
• Updating training - a tailor-made programme based on a training needs analysis that identifies additional training is required.

The revalidation process provides a structured and demonstrable means to ensure the competence of VTS personnel is maintained since satisfactorily completing generic VTS training approved by the competent authority and satisfactorily completing on-the-job training at the VTS where the personnel are employed.

Australian Framework

VTS providers must have processes and procedures in place for completing a revalidation process to ensure the competence of holders of a VTS qualification is maintained.  

In developing the course content for each of the components of the revalidation process consideration should be given to reinforcing VTSO competencies and best practices and the use of simulation to reinforce the core modules of the IALA Model Courses C0103-1, with a focus on modules such as Provision of VTS and Emergency Situations.

The following table provides further guidance for VTS providers in establishing a revalidation process for their VTS personnel: