Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) is the principal tool used by TasPorts to manage the safe and efficient movement of vessels approaching and operating within our port limits and pilotage areas.

VTS is a 24/7 operation delivered from the VTS centre at Bell Bay by trained and qualified vessel traffic service operators.

VTS provides information to vessel masters and pilots to effectively manage ship traffic and scheduling functions at Tasmania’s primary ports.

VTS Centre

The VTS centre is responsible for ship traffic scheduling, marine incident response, and monitoring aids to navigation.

In the event of an emergency, the VTS Centre is the key notification and communications facility, that will activate the appropriate response agencies.

The service can be contacted on:

Port VHF communications

Vessel Movement Advice (VMA)

All agents, owners and masters are required to complete the Vessel Movement Advice (VMA) below and lodge it with VTS 72 hours prior to a vessel’s arrival.

Please send all completed VMA forms to VTS at radio.room@tasports.com.au

The report is the base document for raising of conservancy, pilotage fees and booking services.

TasPorts provides VTS as a traffic information service in accordance with International Maritime Organisation (IMO) guidelines.

VTS will:

• Wherever possible interact with vessel traffic by VHF radio
• Interact with port services
• Inform participating vessels of current traffic and safety information pertaining to the pilotage area
• Where necessary communicate the directions of the Harbour Master or delegate
• Monitor compliance with the Marine and Safety (Pilotage and Navigation) Regulations 2017
• Record details of shipping movements
• Maintain a situational awareness of traffic in the pilotage area to the extent of the available information
• Participate in emergency response