General Technology Introduction

VTS gathers maritime data through various sensors. The data is then processed & integrated into one complete picture and is presented to the user. As a result, the user has the full geographic knowledge of the area and its vessel traffic.

Sensors Used as Input Data Include;

• Automatic Identification System (AIS)
• Maritime radars
• Direction finders (DFs)
• Weather radars & sensors

Consequently, the maritime controller can monitor the vessels and their behavior. This attribute provides safe, secure & efficient seafaring for ships and the authorities. This software can be utilized to manage various environments (including but not limited to); piers, quays, ports, gulfs and straits.

VTS Enables the Authorities to;

• Acquire vessels' location, identity and destination.
• Control vessels' traffic, mooring and/or anchoring.
• Request identity, destination and purpose from unknown/suspicious targets.
• Avoid collisions and traffic congestions.

System Structure

Access to the processed & integrated data can be classified extensively. For example, a local controller would only be presented with fully processed data which can only be viewed, while the top controller can view, edit and classify data from multiple locations. At top of the hierarchy for instance, the administrator has access to data from all over the nation and has the ability to direct through policies and strategies. Furthermore the user interface is fully customizable to fit the user's needs.

VTS's Objectives

• Promote Safe, secure and efficient seafaring.
• Cost-effective & timesaving management of ports.
• Protect the environment by reducing fuel consumption.
• Avoiding traffic congestions and collisions.
• Uphold security by discovering malicious activities such as oil dumping and smuggling.

Advantages of VTS

• Ability to utilize up-to-date hardware in PCs
• Ability to utilize modern hardware inventions as sensors
• Supporting mainstream data banks; IMO & IALA
• Ability to install & update sea maps (ENC)
• No limitations in adding new PCs to the system
• Record & replay events in case of accidents and collisions