SHELTER, in partnership with AFS CONSULTANTS, provides consulting and auditing services for Ports in regards to the Vessel Traffic Service (VTS).
All consultants have extensive experience in the maritime and port sector. They are fully familiar with the requirements of the VTS legislation and can assist in compliance with international, national and local regulations.
The consultancy and auditing services can be categorized into three stages of VTS: implementation, operation and evolution. The services and expertise contained in each one are listed below.
Implementation
Includes initial studies, staff training and support for implementation.
- Assessing the need for VTS
- Preliminary evaluation
- Geographical, hydrography and meteorology studies
- Risk Management in vessel traffic
- Technical management of waterways
- Implementation Project
- Planning and organizing a VTS
- Operators recruitment process
- Support with legal requirements and international law
- Audit and support in the approval of the operations centre and equipment
- Contingency plans and emergency planning
- Technical visits
Operation
Detailed knowledge of the VTS operation, equipment and logistical support for VTS stations.
- Assisted/Joint Operations
- Information Service (INS)
- Traffic Organization Service (TOS)
- Navigation Assistance Service (NAS)
- Performance Levels
- Radar
- VHF and HF Radios
- Automatic Identification System (AIS)
- Closed circuit TV (CCTV)
- Environmental Sensors
- Data Presentation
- Supporting documentation
Evolution
Monitoring of new technologies for upgrade and the development of the professionals involved.
- Internal VTS Audit
- Operational services support
- Integration with VTMIS
- Operational positions and traffic volume
- Operation responsibility
- Operation procedures
- Continuing professional development
