The use of vessel traffic separation schemes (VTS) for the safety of shipping

Abstract

Maritime traffic is international and has had clear rules in place for more than 50 years. The 1972 RIPA Convention provides a common and comprehensive framework which is accepted and respected by seagoing vessels, both in national and international waters. This regulation always requires careful analysis and study, both by the crews in charge of the ship and by the maritime traffic control authorities, to exploit its full potential for organising and maintaining safety on their coasts. Within this scheme, DSTs are valid management tools. This article details the functionalities of this technology and the advantages of its implementation, not only in passages with very high traffic density, but also in every sector of the coastline, where vessels transit and may encounter other vessels moving in opposite directions.