Reduce maritime accidents, rescue more effectively thanks to VTS system

In addition to performing the functions of monitoring, supporting and coordinating maritime traffic, the maritime traffic monitoring and coordination system (VTS) also helps reduce maritime accidents and effectively supports search and rescue operations at sea.

According to the Vietnam Maritime Administration, currently, the country has 12 VTS maritime traffic monitoring and coordination systems invested in and put into operation by the state.

The systems are operated and exploited by maritime port authorities. At the same time, the VTS system is operated on a 24/7 basis to coordinate maritime traffic activities to ensure maritime safety, maritime security and environmental protection according to regulations.

Vessel monitoring and dispatching systems can help detect

In addition, maritime port authorities are using electronic charts to guide and dispatch ships on the waterway to ensure maritime safety for vehicles, especially when large ships enter/exit the port.

The Maritime Traffic Monitoring and Coordination System (VTS) is a tool established to help specialized maritime state management agencies in each seaport water area to manage, monitor, support and coordinate maritime traffic in areas with high density of vessels operating, areas that are potentially dangerous to maritime activities to ensure maritime safety, maritime security and environmental protection.

Electronic nautical charts (ENC) have been built and released since 2015. Depth data and nautical objects are updated regularly and quickly, ensuring accuracy and reliability.

Accordingly, 12 VTS maritime traffic monitoring and coordination systems are being exploited in the following areas: Hai Phong, Thanh Hoa, Nghe An, Ha Tinh, Da Nang, Quang Ngai, Quy Nhon, Ho Chi Minh City, Dong Nai, Kien Giang, Can Tho and An Giang.

Experts say that in addition to managing, monitoring, supporting and coordinating maritime traffic, the VTS system is also an effective tool contributing to reducing maritime accidents.

According to the Hai Phong Maritime Port Authority, since the VTS system was put into operation, the number of maritime accidents and incidents in the Hai Phong seaport waters has decreased significantly, from 7 cases (in 2014) to only 3 cases in 2023.

Notably, the system also contributes actively to the coordination of search and rescue work. A representative of the Hai Phong Maritime Port Authority said that the data provided by the VTS system has helped VTS supervisors and operators accurately determine the location of vessels in distress to mobilize the nearest means to rescue and support timely search and rescue.

At the same time, traffic flow and regulation are implemented to avoid congestion and minimize damage caused by accidents and incidents.

Typically, thanks to the VTS system, many maritime accidents on Hai Phong's maritime channel have been handled in recent years. Hundreds of crew members in distress in Hai Phong's seaport waters have been rescued in time, such as the case of 9 crew members on the ND-1816 ship that sank on Lach Huyen channel in January 2018; 2 crew members on the sand barge HD-1620 that sank on Lach Huyen channel in September 2022...

Source: https://www.baogiaothong.vn/giam-tai-nan-hang-hai-cuu-nan-hieu-qua-hon-nho-he-thong-vts-192241104140718834.htm