Task Description

Task name :

Develop guidance for establishing a compliance and enforcement framework by participating ships in a VTS area
Leading committee and working group owning the task: VTS WG 1
Tasks associated (*leading) :
Task Leader :
Task Number : VTS-1.1.2
Standards : S1040 Vessel Traffic Services
Topic area : S1040.1 VTS Implementation
Task Description : Develop guidance for establishing a compliance and enforcement framework by participating ships
Objectives of the task :

To provide guidance to assist Competent Authorities and VTS providers establish a compliance and enforcement framework in accordance with relevant international conventions and IMO instruments, IALA standards and national law and with respect to violations of VTS regulatory requirements.

Expected outcome : New Guideline
Compelling need :

The IMO Resolution for VTS states, inter alia, that the competent authority should:

• establish a regulatory framework for establishing and operating VTSs in accordance with relevant international conventions and IMO instruments, IALA standards and national law;

• “establish a compliance and enforcement framework with respect to violations of VTS regulatory requirements.”

IALA Standard 1040 Vessel Traffic Services references IALA Recommendations that specify the practices associated with implementing and establishing VTS in Recommendation 0119 - Establishment of VTS IALA and associated Guideline 1150 – Establishing, Planning and Implementing VTS.

There is currently no guidance available to assist Competent Authorities and VTS providers establish a compliance and enforcement framework for participating ships with respect to violations of VTS regulatory requirements in a globally harmonized manner.

Strategic Alignment :

O4 - Improve the provision and harmonisation of Marine Aids to Navigation globally, through targeted training, technical cooperation, and capacity building initiatives.
Scope : In Scope: The proposed guideline is associated with the requirements for participating ships with the regulatory and legal framework established under national law (Refer to Section 6 of IMO Resolution IMO Resolution A.1158(32)). That is: • The provision of reports or information required by VTS; and • Complying with the requirements and instructions given to the ship by VTS, unless contradictory safety and/or marine environment protection reasons exist.
Cybersecurity related :

No
Brief and concise description of the work : to be undertaken and programme mile-stones (where appropriate).

Preparation of a new IALA Guideline regarding establishing a compliance and enforcement framework with respect to violations of VTS regulatory. Key milestones include:

  • First draft of revised/new Resolution - Oct 2025 (VTS58)
  • Draft completed and forwarded to Council for approval - Oct 2026 (VTS60)
  • Draft approved by Council - Dec 2026
Expected numbers of sessions for completion :
Session 54 Session 55 Session 56 Session 57 Session 58 Session 59 Session 60
v v v

Meaning of symbols for sessions :

v + x > <
Scheduled Progressed Not progressed Finalised On hold
Committee notes : Origins :
Approved by Council (Council session/Date) : 0
Notes from the council :
Status (Text) :
Status (Colour) :
Not started
Remarks :

History of the task :

2024-11-21 10:53:06

2025-03-18 14:46:13 VTSCC

2025-03-18 15:00:15 VTSCC