Task Description

Task name :

Develop guidance on how to use digital communication services within the VTS operations

Leading committee and working group owning the task: VTS WG 1
Tasks associated (*leading) :
Tags: Work programme 2025-2027, Work programme 2023-2027
Task Leader : Jan Remi Hoeve
Task Number : VTS-1.2.1
Standards : S1040 Vessel Traffic Services
Topic area : S1040.2 VTS Operations
Task Description :

Develop guidance how to use digital communication services within VTS operations.

Objectives of the task :

Develop guidance on how to use digital communication services within VTS operations.

Expected outcome :

Develop guidance on how to use digital communication services within the VTS operations

Amending G1141 Operational Procedures for Delivering VTS

Define Dependencies of digital services use cases of VTS

Compelling need :

The anticipated increase in the use of digital communication services within Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) creates new opportunities to enhance the safety, efficiency and predictability of vessel traffic. Digital services enable structured information exchange between vessels and VTS centres, support improved situational awareness and facilitate more efficient traffic planning and coordination.

The operational use of these services requires harmonised guidance to ensure that digital communication is applied consistently within day-to-day VTS operations and integrated effectively with existing communication methods.

Links to other work:

Guideline for digital communication

Input paper Fintraffic: VTS59-9.1.5 Key Findings and Feedback from the Digital VTS Traffic Clearance Service Piloting

Input paper China MSA: VTS 59-8.2.1 Proposal on the Development of Guideline on Digital Route Exchange within VTS Operations

Strategic Alignment :
Scope :

In Scope:

Guidance is required on how digital communication services are used in day-to-day VTS operations:

• Make connection between digital services in operational context.

• How different services interconnect and depend on each other

• How to use a mix of voice and digital communication

• Co-operation between VTS centers and VTS areas

• Continuity plan (back-up)

Cybersecurity related :

No

Brief and concise description of the work : to be undertaken and programme mile-stones (where appropriate).
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) : On track
Status (Colour) :
On track
Remarks :

History of the task :

2024-11-21 10:54:35

2024-11-21 10:54:54

2025-05-04 18:30:37 alisa.nechyporuk

2025-09-17 15:41:01 VTSWG1C

2026-02-25 17:04:51 VTSCC

2026-03-06 10:49:02 VTSVC

2026-03-06 11:27:17 VTSVC