Vessel Traffic Service
Abbreviation: VTS
Shore-based service that monitors and assists vessel movements in defined waters.
In practice
OOW reports in/out at VTS reporting points and listens on the assigned channel throughout the area. VTS may issue advisories or directives; failure to follow can lead to a VTS deficiency report.
Regulatory detail & full definition
Three service levels: Information Service (INS), Traffic Organization Service (TOS), Navigational Assistance Service (NAS). Operates on dedicated VHF channels (commonly Ch 12, 14, 67); reporting points and traffic flow rules vary per system. IMO Res. A.857(20) governs international standards; major systems include Singapore VTIS, Dover Strait VTS, Houston VTS.
Authoritative source: SOLAS Chapter V (Safety of navigation) ↗
Related
Source: IMO Res. A.857(20); SOLAS Ch. V Reg. 12; IALA V-103
High confidence
Editorial confidence: how we grade.