Vessel Traffic Services - VTS
In terms of the Authority for Transport in Malta Act (Cap. 499 of the Laws of Malta), the Authority for Transport in Malta (the “Authority”) shall exercise overall control for the preservation of good order in the territorial and inland waters of Malta; and provide, operate and maintain in ports and in port approaches adequate and efficient services and facilities for the proper, safe and efficient functioning of such ports. In pursuance to these functions, Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) in terms of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) and the Vessel Traffic Monitoring and Reporting Requirements Regulations (S.L. 499.34) (the “Regulations”) have been established.
The Authority, as the National Competent Authority, ensures that a Vessel Traffic Service is provided to monitor the movement of vessels within the ports and internal territorial waters of Malta.
VTS is mandatory for all vessels.
VHF:
Valletta VTS: VHF Channel 12
Marsaxlokk VTS: VHF Channel 14
Mgarr Local Port Service (LPS): VHF Channel 10
The objective of VTS is to:
- Aid the mariner in the safe and efficient use of navigable waters within territorial waters;
- Communicate timely and important information to vessels participating in the monitoring programme to support their on-board decision making process;
- Assist in providing a harmonious interface between recreational and commercial shipping; and
- Provide an effective communications base for the response to any safety or pollution incident.
The purpose of the VTS is to contribute to safety of life at sea, safety and efficiency of navigation and the protection of the environment within the VTS area by mitigating the development of unsafe situations through:
- Provision of timely and relevant information on factors that may influence the ship’s movements and assist onboard decision making;
- Monitoring and management of ship traffic to ensure the safety and efficiency of ship movements; and
- Responding to developing unsafe situations.
The VTS provides a continuous service to manage the movement of vessels within ports and internal and territorial waters.
There are in place two VTS centres: the VTS operated by the Authority which is responsible for ports, internal waters and designated areas within territorial waters; and the Malta VTS which is the coastal VTS responsible the territorial waters and areas outside such waters.
→ Reporting points on Arrival – Valletta VTS
→ Reporting points on Departure – Valletta VTS
→ Reporting points on Arrival – Marsaxlokk VTS
→ Reporting points on Departure – Marsaxlokk VTS
→ Communications – Valletta VTS
