Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 5000 words

Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) - Essay Example While Hughes (1998) is not entirely incorrect, he is not correct either. Certainly, as Maio (1991) argues, technology is a major determinant of a port's capacity to execute the functions and responsibilities associate with VTS and, technological limitations ultimately delimit the capacity to efficiently and effectively execute the stated responsibilities. Nevertheless, the human factor is integral as VTS is ultimately all about human-machine interaction. The qualifications of operators, thus, extends beyond the ability to work with the system and correctly interpret data output to include, more often than not, crisis management and critical decision-making under pressure. There is little room for human error (Maio, 1991). In consideration of the somewhat divergent points of view presented in the preceding paragraph, the primary aim of the present study is the analysis and articulation of VTS operator and personal qualifications, alongside a determination of the extent to which the failure to satisfy these qualifications adversely bears upon a port's capacity to execute its VTS responsibilities. Within the context of the functions of Vessel Traffic Service and the systems used for the monitoring of waterway traffic and the maintenance of safety, what characteristics and qualifications should VTS operators possess As a strategy for responding to the selected researched question and satisfying the research's articulated aim, an in-depth investigative exploration of radar technology, coastal radar systems, and the requirements of coastal radar surveillance shall be undertaken. The results of the investigation shall determine the optimal coastal radar surveillance system(s). Introduction Prior to presenting the data upon which the discussion pertaining to the research question shall be based, it is necessary to contextualize the report's focus. This shall be done through a review of the role which Vessel Traffic Service play in the promotion of waterway safety, the strategies by which vessel traffic is monitored and safety maintained, an historical analysis of its development and the articulation of its responsibilities and tasks of VTS operators. 2.1 Background The provision of traffic services is integral to the maintenance of minimum safety levels in all forms of transportation. This is especially true for vessel traffic and, more so in busy waterways. The reason as Nuutinen, Savioja and Sonninen (2005) contend lies in the fact that the mismanagement of vessel traffic in busy waterways results in both environmental and human catastrophe. Vessel traffic management, in other words, is of unique and critical importance. Further to that, it is also extremely complex and complicated, requiring a degree of data precision and