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LA & LB Local Knowledge > VTS > Flashcards

VTS Flashcards

1
Q

⟡What defines an active VTS User?

A

・Power driven vessels of 40 meters (approximately 131 feet) or more in length while navigating.
・Commercial towing vessels 8 meters (approximately 26 feet) or more in length that are towing alongside, astern or by pushing ahead.
・Vessels certificated to carry 50 or more passengers for hire, while engaged in trade. (San Pedro Sector only)

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2
Q

⟡What is the purpose of the Long Beach/Los Angeles Vessel Traffic Service?

A

To provide vessel transit safety by providing vessel operators with advanced information of other reported marine traffic and any additional information, advice, and recommendations that may affect vessel traffic safety within the vessel traffic area.

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3
Q

⟡Describe the three sectors of the VTS.

A

・Offshore VTS (outside the Federal Breakwater - in an area with a 25nm radius of Pt. Fermin) - VHF Ch. 14 (156.7 mHz) - Call sign “San Pedro Traffic”.
・Port of Los Angeles (inside the Federal Breakwater) - VHF Ch. 73 (156.675 mHz) - Call sign “Los Angeles Pilots, KEB 260”.
・Port of Long Beach (inside the Federal Breakwater) - VHF Ch. 12 (156.6 mHz) - Call sign “Long Beach Pilots, KMA 372”.

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4
Q

⟡What are the active and passive VTS user requirements?

A

Covered Mandatory Full Participants:

  1. Every power driven vessel of 40 meters (131 ft.) or more in length, while navigating.
  2. Commercial vessels 8 meters (26 ft.) or more in length that are towing alongside, astern or by pushing ahead.
  3. Every vessel certificated to carry 50 or more passengers for hire, while engaged in trade, under sail or power (San Pedro Sector only).

The operators of these vessels must comply with:
・Monitor VTS frequencies.
・Respond promptly when hailed.
・Follow reporting procedures as outlined in this User Manual (Sailing Plan, Position Reports, Final Reports, Other Reports).
・Have a User Manual Onboard.

Mandatory Passive Participants:

  1. Every power driven vessel 20 meters (65 ft.) or more in length.
  2. Every vessel 100 gross tons or more carrying one or more passengers for hire, while engaged in trade, regardless of length, or whether under sail or power.
  3. Every dredge or floating plant.

The operators of these vessels must comply with:
・Monitor VTS frequencies.
・Respond promptly when hailed.
・Encourage full participation when visibility is less than 1nm.
・Mandatory Passive Participants are required to monitor Channel 14 VHF/FM when operating in the VTS area.

Participating vessels are to ensure that a copy of the VTS Users Manual is available on board the vessel when operating within the VTS area.

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5
Q

⟡Call Signs, Radio Channels, and Passing Arrangement Channels for each VTS Sector’s Vessel Traffic Center (VTC):

A

・SAN PEDRO SECTOR- VTC VHF-FM Channel: Ch.14 - VTC Voice Call: San Pedro Traffic - Passing Arrangements: Ch.14.
・LOS ANGELES SECTOR - VTC VHF-FM Channel: Ch.73 - VTC Voice Call: Los Angeles Pilots - Passing Arrangements: Ch.13.
・LONG BEACH SECTOR - VTC VHF-FM Channel: Ch.12 - VTC Voice Call: Long Beach Pilots - Passing Arrangements: Ch.13.

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6
Q

⟡Describe the San Pedro VTS.

A

The Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) Los Angeles/Long Beach, operated by the Marine Exchange in cooperation with the U.S. Coast Guard, has been established within the approaches to the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. The Vessel Traffic Service is a California State mandatory service and a federally mandated Vessel Movement Reporting System (VMRS), and is designed to enhance navigational safety in the main approaches to the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. Mandatory participation and monitoring of VHF-FM channel 14 is required by state and federal law for participating vessels.
VTS Area: The VTS Area consists of Los Angeles and Long Beach Harbors (inside the breakwater), and the waters of San Pedro Bay and San Pedro channel, including Santa Monica Bay, within a 25 nautical mile radius of Point Fermin Light. This includes all of the Precautionary Area and portions of the Traffic Separation Scheme Lanes.
VTS Communications: The responsibility of information exchange in the VTS Area outside the breakwater will be handled by the Marine Exchange Vessel Traffic Center (VTC), and inside the breakwater by the appropriate Pilot Station.
All reports and communications made to the VTC (voice call “San Pedro Traffic”) shall be on VHF-FM channel 14, to Los Angeles Pilots on VHF-FM channel 73, and to Long Beach Pilots on VHF-FM channel 12 or 74. All stations monitor VHF-FM channels 16 and 13.
If arrival/departure information has been given and new data is received by the VTS, the VTS will attempt to contact vessels to pass the updated information. In addition, a traffic advisory broadcast is given on VHF-FM channel 14 every hour on the quarter hour. Other navigational information may be given on a case by case basis.
The Marine Exchange of Southern California records, classifies, and disseminates information on ship arrivals to, departure from, and movement within the Los Angeles/Long Beach harbors. The Exchange, about 0.4 mile N of Point Fermin, is manned 24-hours a day. It has a visual lookout, VHF-FM radiotelephone, visual communication capability, and a battery of landline telephones. The station, call sign KGW-299, monitors VHF-FM channel 16 and 13, and uses channel 14 for working.

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7
Q

San Pedro VTS Sector

A

・Sector Description: 25 nautical miles seaward of PT Fermin.
・VTC Location: Marine Exchange of Southern California.
・VHF-FM Channel: 14.
・VTC Voice Call (Call Sign): “San Pedro Traffic”.

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8
Q

Los Angeles VTS Sector

A

・Sector Description: The area inside the federal breakwater encompassing the port of Los Angeles.
・VTC Location: Los Angeles Harbor Pilot Station.
・VHF-FM Channel: 73.
・VTC Voice Call (Call Sign): “Los Angeles Pilots”.

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9
Q

Long Beach VTS Sector

A

・Sector Description: The area inside the federal breakwater encompassing the port of Long Beach.
・VTC Location: Jacobsen Pilot Station.
・VHF-FM Channel: 12.
・VTC Voice Call (Call Sign): “Long Beach Pilots”.

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10
Q

Three categories of waterway users within VTS LA-LB

A
  1. Vessel Movement and Reporting System User (VMRS) (Full Participation) - Power driven vessels of 40 meters (approximately 131 feet) or more in length while navigating. Commercial towing vessels 8 meters (approximately 26 feet) or more in length that are towing alongside, astern or by pushing ahead. Vessels certificated to carry 50 or more passengers for hire, while engaged in trade. (San Pedro Sector only)
  2. VTS User (Passive Participation) - Power driven vessels of 20 meters (approximately 65 feet) or more in length while navigating. Vessels of 100 gross tons or more carrying one or more passengers for hire, while engaged in trade, regardless of length, or whether under sail or power. Every dredge or floating plant.
  3. NON VMRS/NON VTS User (Optional Participation) - Vessels that do not fall into the Full participation or passive participation categories.
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11
Q

Report of Impairment to the Operation of the Vessel.

A

A vessel in the VTS area shall report to the San Pedro Sector VTC as soon as possible:

a. Any emergency or unusual event such as fire, collision, grounding, man overboard, etc,
b. Any condition on the vessel that may impair its navigation, reduce its capabilities, or affect the safety of other vessels due to defective propulsion, defective steering, inoperative navigation running lights, unusual handling, impaired maneuverability, inoperative whistle or horn, navigation equipment, etc.
c. Any tow that the towing vessel is unable to control or can control only with difficulty,
d. Any other unusual condition which restricts or prohibits total compliance with the requirements of the VTS.
e. This report satisfies immediate reporting requirements in 46 CFR 4.05-1 (see Appendix B).

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12
Q

San Pedro VTS Sector Sail Plans

A

・Upon entering the VTS San Pedro Sector from Sea - a. Vessel name/call sign, b. Vessel destination, c. Inbound from (N/S/W), d. ETA, e. Confirmation that pre-arrival tests have been completed as required by 33 CFR 164.25.
・15 Minutes Prior to Departing LA-LB Harbor (Pilot’s call) - a. Vessel Name, b. Outbound from (LA-LB), c. Direction of travel , d. Destination if applicable.
・15 Minutes Prior to movement within the El Segundo Marine Terminal - a. Vessel Name, b. Current location (ES Anchorage or ES Berth), c. Destination (Next port if outbound for sea), d. Direction of travel (if outbound for sea).
・15 Minutes Prior to heaving anchor when anchored in the San Pedro Sector - a. Vessel Name, b. Current Anchorage Location, c. Direction of travel
・Upon entering San Pedro Sector (Outbound from a location within 25 NM of PT Fermin) - a. Vessel Name, b. Outbound from (Port or Harbor), c. Destination, d. ETA.

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13
Q

San Pedro Sector Position Reports

A

・Upon entering the Precautionary Area - a. Vessel Name, b. Current location (entering precautionary area from the West or South), c. Destination, d. ETA, e. Confirm that the Master/Commanding officer is on the bridge and that the vessel is in manual/hand steering.
・When departing the precautionary area - a. Vessel Name, b. Current location (exiting precautionary area), c. Direction of travel.
・When pilot has disembarked - a. Vessel Name, b. Pilot has disembarked, c. Any changes to initial sail plan.
・When in anchor position before dropping anchor - a. Vessel Name, b. In position to drop anchorage in anchorage (i.e., Golf 4).
・When Underway from anchorage within the San Pedro Sector - a. Vessel Name, b. Underway, c. Report any changes to sail plan.
・15 Minutes prior to crossing the TSS - a. Vessel Name, b. Preparing to cross the TSS in 15 minutes.
・Temporary Reporting Point (any additional reporting point imposed by the VTS) - a. Vessel Name, b. Current Location, c. Provide information required by the VTC.

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14
Q

San Pedro Sector FInal Reports

A

・When departing the San Pedro Sector (outbound for sea) - a. Vessel Name, b. Location (25 NM from PT Fermin), c. Checking out of the VTS.
・Safely anchored in San Pedro Sector - a. Vessel Name, b. Current anchorage location, c. Safely Anchored.
・Arrived at a Port or Destination within the San Pedro Sector (i.e., Checking out at the LB Sea Buoy or LA #3) - a. Vessel Name, b. Arriving (LB Sea Buoy/LA #3/etc.), c. Checking out.
・Pilot on the Bridge Inbound LA or LB (Pilot’s call) - a. Vessel Name, b. Pilot on the Bridge.

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15
Q

Los Angeles or Long Beach VTS Sector Sail Plans

A

・Preparing to get underway (from berth, anchorage, or offshore mooring) - a. Vessel name, b. “Preparing to get underway in approximately ____minutes”.

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16
Q

Los Angeles or Long Beach VTS Sector Update Report

A

・5 minutes prior to crossing an Inner Harbor Sector boundary (LA & LB city boundary & boundary line at the Commodore Heim Bridge) - a. Vessel name, b. Vessel location, c. Destination.

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17
Q

Los Angeles or Long Beach VTS Sector Final Report

A

・Upon completion of transit (upon mooring, anchoring, or departing a sector) - a. Vessel name, b. Vessel location, c. Vessel status (moored, anchored or departing sector, d. “Checking out of VTS”.

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18
Q

Notifications at/for anchorage.

A

・24 hours for use of Explosives Anchorage to COTP.
・4 hours before bunkering or lightering (in anchorages where it is permitted) to COTP.
・Before anchoring (to the respective VTS Sector).

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19
Q

Equipment Failures

A

Vessels are required by law to report navigational equipment, propulsion, steering or other vital system failures as soon as possible to the Coast Guard via the COTP office or the Captain of the Port representative at VTS on channel 14.

20
Q

Mandatory Passive Participants to the VTS - VHF Monitoring

A

Every power driven vessel 20 meters (65 ft.) or more in length, every vessel 100 gross tons or more carrying one or more passengers for hire and every dredge or floating plant are required to monitor Channel 14 VHF/FM when operating in the VTS area.

21
Q

Arriving Vessels Upon Entering the 25 Mile Outer Limit

A

Call “San Pedro Traffic” on VHF/FM Channel 14 and provide the following information:

  1. Vessel Name/Call Sign.
  2. Position, course and speed.
  3. Vessel destination.
  4. State whether or not taking a pilot.
  5. Estimated time of arrival to the breakwater/anchorage.
  6. Tank vessels report their displacement.
  7. All required engine checks have been satisfactorily conducted.
  8. Any navigational discrepancies onboard the vessel.
22
Q

Upon Entering the Precautionary Area

A

Call “ San Pedro Traffic” and provide the following information:

  1. Confirm vessel speed is 12 knots or less.
  2. Confirm master is on the bridge.
  3. Confirm vessel is in hand steering.
  4. Maintain a minimum vessel separation of 1/4 nm.
23
Q

15 minutes prior to getting underway from Berth

A

15 minutes prior to getting underway, contact Los Angeles Pilots on Channel 73 or Long Beach Pilots on Channel 74 (depending on which harbor the vessel is in) to check into the traffic system. Provide vessel name, type, departure point, destination and intended route.

24
Q

15 minutes prior to the breakwater entrance

A

15 minutes prior to the breakwater entrance, call “San Pedro Traffic” on VHF/FM Channel 14. Breakwater entrances include Los Angeles Gate (LA), Long Beach Gate (LB) and Anaheim Bay, (Naval Weapons Support Facility, Seal Beach). Provide the following:

  1. Vessel Name/Call Sign.
  2. Destination and route upon departure.
  3. Acknowledge VTS traffic report.
  4. Report departure from Precautionary Area to VTS.
  5. If outbound, ETA to 25 nm from Point Fermin.
  6. Report departure from VTS at 25 nm limit.
25
Q

What is considered a VTS “Close Quarters Situation”?

A

VTS “Close Quarters Situations” are described in the LALB HSP as vessels passing closer than 0.25 NM (500 yds). The VTS documents and reports “Close Quarters Situations.”

LALB HSP (VII) D

26
Q

Describe the MAREX (Marine Exchange) communications.

A

KGW299
VHF 16 / 13
VHF 14 (working)

27
Q

Describe the LALB VTS radio listening watch requirements.

A

All Active and Passive users in the VTS area shall continuously monitor or cause to be monitored the VHF-FM channel for the Sector in which they are transiting, and respond promptly when hailed. No info other than safety of vessel traffic / 1 watt.

SECTOR——–VTC—–VOICE CALL—————PASSING ARRANGEMETS
SP Sector——14——“SP Traffic”—————-14
LA Sector——73——“LA Pilot Station”——–13
LB Sector——74——“Jacobsen Pilot Station”——-13

LALB VTS USER MANUAL, 1 & 2.1.a & b

28
Q

What vessels are Active Users under the VTS LA/LB?

A

VTS LALB Mandatory Participation Active User
• PDV greater than / equal to 40 m LOA (131 feet) while navigating
• Commercial towing vessel greater than / equal to 8 m LOA (26 feet) engaged in towing
• Vessels certified to carry 50 or more passengers while engaged in trade (in San Pedro Sector only)

LALB VTS USER MANUAL, 1.2

29
Q

What are the User Requirements for operators of Mandatory Participation Active Users in the LALB VTS?

A

The operators of these vessels must comply with:
• Communications procedures.
• Vessel movement and reporting procedures.
• Traffic Separation Scheme Rules.
• Keep a copy of the VTS User Manual aboard.

LALB VTS USER MANUAL, 1.2

30
Q

What vessels are Passive Users under the VTS LA/LB?

A

VTS LALB Mandatory Participation Passive User
• PDV greater than / equal to 20 m LOA (65 feet) while navigating
• Vessels of 100 or more GT carrying 1 or more passengers while engaged in trade
• Every dredge or floating plant

LALB VTS USER MANUAL, 1.2

31
Q

What are the User Requirements for operators of Passive Users in the LALB VTS?

A

The operators of these vessels must comply with:
• Communications procedures.
• Vessel movement and reporting procedures.
• Traffic Separation Scheme Rules.
• Keep a copy of the VTS User Manual aboard.
• Encouraged full participation when visibility is less than 1NM.

LALB VTS USER MANUAL, 1.2

32
Q

What vessels are Non-User (Optional Participation) under the VTS LA/LB?

A

•Vessels that do not fall into the Full participation or passive participation categories.

33
Q

What are the User Requirements for operators of Non-User (Optional Participation) in the LALB VTS?

A

The operators of these vessels are not required to participate with the VTS, but are encouraged to:
•Monitor VTS VHF-FM channels at all times.
•Contact VTC to obtain information, seek assistance or report emergencies.
•Observe VTS measures (information / recommendations given by the VTS).
•Contact VTC for traffic reports when visibility is less than 1NM.
Non-VTS/Non VMRS Users must:
•Observe and obey all International Rules of the Road, with special emphasis on Rule 9 (Narrow Channels) and Rule 10 (Traffic Separation Scheme).
•Comply with all other measures of safe navigation and prudent seamanship while operating within the VTS area.

34
Q

What are the User Requirements for operators of Mandatory Participation Passive Users in the LALB VTS?

A

The operators of these vessels must comply with:
• Maintain a radio listening watch in accordance with the communications procedures.
• Respond to the appropriate VTS center when hailed.
• Traffic Separation Scheme Rules.

LALB VTS USER MANUAL, 1.2

35
Q

Describe the Vessel Movement and Reporting Procedures for Mandatory Participation Active Users

A

Mandatory Participation Active Users must:
• Monitor VTS frequencies.
• Respond promptly when hailed.
• Check into the system.
• Advise when actually underway.
• Contact the applicable VTC when passing a Position Reporting Point or VTS sector boundary.
• Check out of the system upon reaching their destination.

LALB VTS USER MANUAL, 3.1

36
Q

What are the VTS San Pedro Sector Reporting Points?

A
  • Upon entering the VTS San Pedro Sector from sea
  • Upon entering (inbound) or departing (outbound) the Precautionary Area
  • 15 minutes prior to commencing a movement within the San Pedro Sector
  • Upon getting underway outside the federal BW
  • Upon departing the San Pedro Sector bound for sea

LALB VTS USER MANUAL, 3.2

37
Q

What must be reported to the San Pedro VTC upon entering the San Pedro Sector from sea?

A 
Report to San Pedro Traffic on VHF-FM Ch 14
•	Vessel name
•	Vessel call sign
•	Position
•	Course
•	Speed
•	Destination
•	Taking a pilot or master conning?
•	ETA to seabuoy or Pilot Boarding Area

LALB VTS USER MANUAL, 3.2

38
Q

What must be reported to the San Pedro VTC upon entering (inbound) or departing (outbound) the Precautionary Area?

A 
Report to San Pedro Traffic on VHF-FM Ch 14
•	Vessel name
•	Vessel call sign
•	If entering, report:
-	“Master / CO is on bridge.”
-	“Vessel is being steered by hand.”
•	If departing, report:
-	 “Departing Precautionary Area.”
•	ETA next port or Pilot Station as applicable

LALB VTS USER MANUAL, 3.2

39
Q

What must be reported to the San Pedro VTC 15 minutes prior to commencing a movement within the San Pedro Sector, i.e., preparing to get underway from anchorage outside the BW or from El Segundo Marine Terminal or 15 minutes prior to entering the SP Sector when departing either harbor?

A

Report to San Pedro Traffic on VHF-FM Ch 14
• Vessel name
• Vessel call sign
• Destination Port or direction of departure
LALB VTS USER MANUAL, 3.2

Also under CCR….852.25 must report to MAREX at least 15 min but not more than 1 hour before underway:
• LOA
• Whether or not carrying any dangerous cargo (as listed in 33CFR160 Subpart C)

40
Q

What must be reported to the San Pedro VTC upon getting underway outside the federal BW?

A

Report to San Pedro Traffic on VHF-FM Ch 14
• Vessel name
• Vessel call sign
• “Underway at this time”
• Any changes or updates to 15 minute precall?
• If inbound and embarking a pilot, ETA to seabuoy.

LALB VTS USER MANUAL, 3.2

41
Q

What must be reported to the San Pedro VTC upon departing the San Pedro Sector bound for sea?

A 
Report to San Pedro Traffic on VHF-FM Ch 14
•	Vessel name
•	Vessel call sign
•	Vessel location
•	“Checking out of VTS”

LALB VTS USER MANUAL, 3.2

42
Q

What are the VTS LALB Sector Reporting Points?

A
  • Preparing to get underway from berth, anchorage, or mooring inside the federal BW
  • (5 min) prior to crossing an Inner Harbor Sector Boundary
  • Upon completion of transit

LALB VTS USER MANUAL, 3.3

43
Q

What must be reported to the LALB VTC when preparing to get underway from berth, anchorage, or mooring inside the federal BW?

A

Report to LA or LB Pilot Station on VHF-FM Ch 73 or 74
• Vessel name
• Vessel call sign
• “Preparing to get underway in approximately ____ minutes”
• Any changes or updates to vessel status after initial call has been made?

This call must be made prior to casting off all lines.

LALB VTS USER MANUAL, 3.3

44
Q

What must be reported to the LALB VTC (5 minutes) prior to crossing an Inner Harbor Sector Boundary?

A

Report to LA or LB Pilot Station on VHF-FM Ch 73 or 74
• Vessel name
• Vessel call sign
• The Sector boundary that you are crossing
• Destination / ETA

LALB VTS USER MANUAL, 3.3

45
Q

What must be reported to the LALB VTC upon completion of a transit?

A

Report to LA or LB Traffic on VHF-FM Ch 73 or 74
• Vessel name
• Vessel call sign
• Vessel location
• Vessel status (i.e., moored, anchored, etc.)
• “Checking out of VTS”

LALB VTS USER MANUAL, 3.3

46
Q

What communication must take place prior to entering the Pilot Operating Areas when inbound from sea (Mandatory Participation Active Users)?

A 
All vessels shall contact the appropriate pilot stations prior to entering the pilot areas to receive vessel traffic information inside the breakwater.  Vessels shall provide the following information to the pilot stations:
•	Vessel name
•	Vessel call sign
•	ETA BW or seabuoy/pilot station
•	Destination

USCP 7, Ch. 4, ¶ 228 – 231

47
Q

What action is required under the VTS rules in the event of a deviation from the Bridge to Bridge Radiotelephone Act due to radio failure?

A

Whenever a vessel deviates from any rule in the Bridge to Bridge Radio Telephone Act because of an emergency or radio failure, it shall report the deviation to the San Pedro Sector VTC as soon as possible.

LALB VTS USER MANUAL, 2.5

LA & LB Local Knowledge (13 decks)

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