Call for training standardisation

He says it is extremely important for the masters of vessels to know exactly what services they can expect without being thoroughly confused by the various acronyms being used by different authorities – VTS, VTMIS, VTIS, VTM, for example.

“VTSs around the world provide services appropriate to the different types and needs of all kinds of vessels in a wide range of geographical, weather and sea conditions. Furthermore, the common law and policies of the countries in which VTSs operate will often be different from each other,” he says.

But VTS operator training could and should be to the IALA internationally recognised level and, most importantly, accredited, he says. Capt Hughes chaired the International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities (IALA) Personnel and Training working group, part of the IALA VTS committee that helped develop the model courses and guidelines for VTS operators. These were formally recognised by the IMO in 2000.

In 1996 he set up International Maritime Consultancy, providing specialised services to those connected with VTS.

Captain Hughes says that the VTS training issue is hugely important. “Many operators receive training but it is either not accredited or not even up to the IALA international standard,” he says. Indeed, it is still perfectly possible, in some parts of the world, that a VTS operator could have no formal VTS training at all, he says.

“I would like to see mandatory training for all VTS operators that is audited and accredited – by IALA and/or the relevant competent authority. They have it in place in STCW for officers on ships. If ships’ officers have to be trained and qualified to do their job, then VTS personnel should also be properly trained and qualified.”

While many countries do have properly trained VTS personnel, there are many others who have yet to focus on training to the IALA standard he says. “The next step for IALA is to have IMO approve mandatory training for all VTS personnel.”