Task Description

Task name :

Develop guidance for dealing with stress or trauma in VTS operations
Leading committee and working group owning the task: VTS WG 3
Tasks associated (*leading) :
Task Leader : Jockum Lundsten
Task Number : VTS-3.1.1
Standards : S1050 Training and Certification
Topic area : S1050.1 Training and assessment
Task Description : Develop new IALA guidance in establishing support for VTS Personnel that have handled a significantly stressful or traumatic incident in VTS operations
Objectives of the task :
  • Define stressors and critical incidents that are likely to lead to trauma in VTS personnel
  • If possible seek assistance from a mental health in the workplace organization to determine the appropriate assistance to be provided
  • Seek input from members regarding existing programs in use and studies conducted
  • Describe stress, stress factors and stress recovery related to VTS operations
  • Describe how to conduct incident debriefings, focusing on stress and/or trauma
  • Define measures to evaluate and increase VTS personnel’s mental and psychosocial well-beings

-Align guidance with developing documents on Human Factors and Safety Culture
Expected outcome : New IALA guidance in establishing support protocols for VTS Personnel following a significantly stressful or traumatic incident
Compelling need :

Mental health and the effects of trauma on a persons mental health have recently gained recognition and importance, in particular in the workplace. Many professions can list their own worst case scenarios and VTS is not immune. It is important that there are support programs in place to assist VTS personnel deal with their trauma, preferably one incident at a time. Recognizing the growing significance of mental health and its impact on workplace dynamics, there has been a notable shift towards prioritizing mental well-being across various professions worldwide. VTS personnel encounter high-stress and potentially traumatic situations as an inherent aspect of their duties. These scenarios, ranging from critical incidents to ongoing operational pressures, can exert profound effects on their mental health and overall well-being. It is imperative for stakeholders to acknowledge the potential psychological toll of these experiences and to establish robust support programs tailored to their specific organizations.
Strategic Alignment :
Scope : Mental health and injuries in the workplace documentation, in particular as it applies in the maritime domain and other operations centres (i.e. emergency operations).Expert advice in the field of mental health and other relevant stakeholders should be sought. The proposed guideline should be aligned with existing Guideline G1045 Staffing levels at VTS Centres, and G1171 on Human Factors and Ergonomics in VTS.
Cybersecurity related :

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

Key milestones

  • Sep 2024 (VTS56) --Scope Task and prepare skeleton
  • Mar 2025 (VTS57) -- Draft document prepared
  • Sep 2025 (VTS58) -- Draft document improved
  • Mar 2026 (VTS59) -- Draft document improved Sep 2026 (VTS60) -- Draft guidance reviewed by VTS Committee and forwarded to Council for approval.
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) : Ongoing
Status (Colour) :
On track
Remarks :

History of the task :

2025-02-12 16:22:31 VTSCC

2025-02-26 10:24:45 VTSWG3VC

2025-03-19 12:37:27 VTSWG3VC

2025-03-19 16:23:21 VTSTGL21

2025-03-19 16:30:49 VTSTGL21