VTM Flashcards
What are the limitations of AIS?
Not all vessels carry AIS (eg leisure craft, non-SOLAS vessels etc)
The AIS may be switched off
The inputted manual data may be incorrect Lack of or poor quality training
If overlaid onto ECDIS / RADAR risk of cluttering the display
AIS information liable to target sensor error, GPS, heading errors etc.
On C-Scope what are the 5 ALERT TYPES?
Miscellaneous Alerts
Track Alerts
Area Alerts
AIS Messages
System Alerts
What are the update / refresh rates for AIS?
Terrestrial AIS (T-AIS) Class A – between 3 secs and 6 mins
Terrestrial AIS (T-AIS) Class B – between 6 secs and 6 mins
Satellite AIS (S-AIS) – up to 60 mins
LRIT – up to 6 hours
VMS – up to 2 hours
RADAR – approx. 5 secs
Define 3 points of the rule of Traffic Separation Schemes
Rule 10
A vessel using a TSS shall:
Proceed in the appropriate traffic lane in the general direction of traffic flow for that lane.
So far as practicable keep clear of a traffic separation line or separation zone.
Shall, so far as practicable, avoid crossing traffic lanes but if obliged to do so shall cross on
a heading as nearly practicable at right angles to the general direction of traffic flow.
Define ‘Not Under Command’
A vessel which through some exceptional circumstance is unable to manoeuvre as
required by these Rules and is therefore unable to keep out of the way of another vessel.
Define ‘Constrained By Draught’
A power-driven vessel which, because of her draught in relation to the available depth and width of navigable water, is severely restricted in her ability to deviate from the course she is following.
Define ‘Restricted in the Ability to Manoeuvre’
A vessel which from the nature of her work is restricted in her ability to manoeuvre as required but these Rules and is therefore unable to keep out of the way of another vessel. For example, vessels who are: engaged in dredging, surveying or underwater operations; engaged in the launching or recovering of aircraft.
What rule is being contravened if a vessel does not respond to a call on the VHF?
Rule 5 – Look-out
Every vessel shall at all times maintain a proper look-out by sight and hearing as well as by all available means appropriate in the prevailing circumstances and conditions so as to make a full appraisal of the situation and of the risk of collision.
What action must a ‘give-way’ vessel take?
Rule 16 – Action by give-way vessel
Every vessel which is directed to keep out of the way of another vessel shall, so far as possible, take early and substantial action to keep well clear.
Who do the IRPCS apply to?
Rule 1 – Application
These Rules shall apply to all vessels upon the high seas and in all waters connected therewith navigable by seagoing vessels.
What must fishing vessels do in a TSS?
Rule 10 – TSS
A vessel engaged in fishing shall not impede the passage of any vessel following a traffic lane.
Define ‘Incident’ and ‘Accident’
An incident is “Anything which affects or could affect the safety of a ship or other ships”. May include propulsion system, navigation equipment, comms system etc.
An accident is “Any occurrence affecting the safety of a ship”. May include collision, grounding, flooding etc.
Compare VTM and VTS
VTM: Reactive VTS: Proactive
VTM: Monitor, report & initiate action. VTS: IMO defined levels of service.
VTM: EU directive guidance VTS: IALA/IMO standardised requirements & guidelines.
VTM: UK SRR & PCZ VTS: IMO defined & published internationally
VTM: No internationally regonised training VTS: IALA V103 qualified
What is the VTMD application?
Traditional Vessels over 45m
Leisure craft over 45m
All vessels over 300GMT
Fishing vessels over 45m
Vessels carrying dangerous or polluting cargo
Vessels exempt: warships, small fishing vessels, workboats
List two danger areas around the UK and how they are managed
Dover Strait – the TSS and the mandatory reporting scheme
The Minches – the TSS and the voluntary reporting scheme
What are WETREP and CALDOVREP?
Mandatory reporting areas / system
What is a WETREP and who needs to comply?
West European Tanker Reporting System
For Particularly Sensitive Sea Areas, when vessels are entering, exiting and deviating from planned route
Applies to every kind of oil tanker of 600GMT
What is a CALDOVREP and who needs to comply?
Pas de Calais / Dover Reporting system
For all vessels over 300GMT under SOLAS V
When entering and exiting the Calais / Dover TSS, SW traffic to report to Dover, NE traffic to report to Gris-Nez
Can a VTM issue instructions?
Generally no, we have no enforcement powers. However, we can broadcast an instruction on behalf of the SOSREP.
What are the advantages of SMCP?
Providing one phrase for one event
No synonyms or contracted wording avoids confusion
Easy to recognise and memorise
Useful to trigger predictable action
List 4 message markers and give an example of each
QUESTION, what are your intentions?
My INTENTIONS are to continue on my heading and maintain my speed.
ANSWER, I have 3 persons on board.
REQUEST you go to VHF Ch 67
List the remaining 4 message markers and give an example of each
WARNING you have a sandbank 0.1nm on a bearing of 090.
INFORMATION according to my systems you are approaching the TSS.
ADVISE you refer to your charts to find a suitable anchorage.
INSTRUCTION, on behalf of the SOSREP you are to keep clear of this area
What a prohibited area?
Prohibited area is an area that all vessels are prohibited from entering (eg around a warship).
What is the Paris MOU?
The mission is to eliminate sub-standard ships through a harmonised system of Port State Control through an organisation of 27 maritime administrations and covers the North Atlantic basin.
