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 :

Nisham Supian

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 personnelIf possible seek input from relevant stakeholders in workplace organizations to determine the appropriate assistance to be providedRequest feedback from members regarding existing programs and best practices implementedAlign 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 personâ€™s 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. Vessel Traffic Services (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 â€“ Staffing levels at VTS Centres, and G1171 on Human Factors and Ergonomics in VTS.

Cybersecurity related :

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

Key milestones include:â€¢ Sep 2024 (VTS56) --Scope Task and prepare skeletonâ€¢ Mar 2025 (VTS57) -- Draft document prepared â€¢ Sep 2025 (VTS58) -- Draft document improvedâ€¢ Mar 2026 (VTS59) -- Draft document improvedâ€¢ Sep 2026 (VTS60) -- Draft guidance reviewed by VTS Committee and forwarded to Council for approval.

Expected numbers of sessions for completion :

356 Session 54	356 Session 55	356 Session 56	356 Session 57	356 Session 58	356 Session 59	356 Session 60
		v	v	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) :

Notes from the council :

Status (Text) :

Status (Color) :

Not started

Remarks :

History of the task :