SECTION 1: CURRICULUM SUMMARY 1. Occupational Information 1.1 Associated Occupation 315401: Air Traffic Controller 1.2 Occupation or Specialisation Addressed by this Curriculum 315401001: Vessel Traffic Services Supervisor (title defined by IALA V/103) 1.3 Alternative Titles used by Industry Vessel Traffic Controller Vessel Traffic Services Operator 2. Curriculum Information 2.1 Curriculum Structure This qualification is made up of the following compulsory Knowledge and Practical Skill Modules: Knowledge Modules: 315401001-KM-01, Traffic Management Theory, NQF Level 5, Credits: TBD 315401001-KM-02, Dangerous Cargoes and Preventative Measures, NQF Level 5, Credits: TBD 315401001-KM-03, Port Management Theory, NQF Level 5, Credits: TBD 315401001-KM-04, VTS Information Management System, NQF Level 5, Credits: TBD 315401001-KM-05, Uncleared Vessels and Port Entry, NQF Level 5, Credits: TBD 315401001-KM-06, Emergencies, Incidents and Special Circumstances, NQF Level 5, Credits: TBD 315401001-KM-07, VTS Legislative and Regulatory Framework, NQF Level 5, Credits: TBD Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: TBD Practical Skill Modules: 315401001-PM-01, Manage the movement of shipping to ensure efficient traffic management services, NQF Level 5, Credits: TBD 315401001-PM-02, Identify, prioritise and respond to dangerous cargoes within port limits, NQF Level 5, Credits: TBD 315401001-PM-03, Co-ordinate vessel arrivals, departures and movements to facilitate voyage planning and forecasting, NQF Level 5, Credits: TBD 315401001-PM-04, Promulgate routine VHF navigational safety broadcasts containing relevant navigational information, visibility reports and weather information, NQF Level 5, Credits: TBD 315401001-PM-05, Ensure the safeguarding of uncleared vessels entering port limits, NQF Level 5, Credits: TBD 315401001-PM-06, Initiate and implement emergency procedures and contingency plans, NQF Level 5, Credits: TBD 315401001-PM-07, Understand and apply legal and regulatory responsibilities, limitations and liabilities and their implications, NQF Level 5, Credits: TBD Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: TBD This qualification also requires the following Work Experience Modules: 315401001-WM-01, Following processes and procedures relating to vessel traffic management, NQF Level 5, Learning Contract Time TBD days, Credits: TBD 1 P a g e
315401001-WM-02, Adhering to dangerous goods processes and procedures, NQF Level 5, Learning Contract Time TBD days, Credits: TBD 315401001-WM-03, Complying with port operational framework requirements, NQF Level 5, Learning Contract Time TBD days, Credits: TBD 315401001-WM-04, Coordinating and disseminating VTS information, NQF Level 5, Learning Contract Time TBD days, Credits: TBD 315401001-WM-05, Following safeguarding procedures for uncleared vessels, NQF Level 5, Learning Contract Time TBD days, Credits: TBD 315401001-WM-06, Following emergency procedures for vessels within port limits, NQF Level 5, Learning Contract Time TBD days, Credits: TBD 315401001-WM-07, Complying with shipping acts and regulations and understanding legal implication to others in the VTS area, NQF Level 5, Learning Contract Time TBD days, Credits: TBD Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: TBD 2.2 Entry Requirements The entry requirements are prescribed by the International Association of Lighthouse Authorities (IALA) Recommendations and Guidelines. Further to the above requirement, the learner must have a current approved medical fitness and eye test certificate. Every candidate should: Mathematics, Physical Science and English competence at NQF Level 4; Master Port Ops theory (SAMSA); Be in possession of a valid VTS Operator Certificate (SAMSA); At least 12 month s service as Vessel Traffic Operator. In order to maintain certification of VTS operational personnel, the VTS Authority should ensure that all operational personnel, under their jurisdiction, undergo an assessment at regular intervals. This could be in the form of a continual assessment at the VTS centre or at a training organisation. If VTS operational personnel fail an assessment or have had a break in service, for whatever reason and for a period as determined by the Competent/VTS Authority, the operator concerned may be required to undergo refresher training, or certificate revalidation as deemed appropriate by the Competent Authority. 3. Assessment Quality Partner Information Name of body: Transport Education and Training Authority (Maritime Chamber) Address of body: 12 Glen Roy Road, WBHO House, Ground Floor, Pinelands, 7405 Contact person name: Victor Muhlberg Contact person work telephone number: +27 21 531 3064 4. Part Qualification Curriculum Structure The Vessel Traffic Services Operator provides, if duly authorized, instructions and information to vessels and decides what action should be taken in response to data received. This person may be directly responsible for communications within a defined geographical area within a VTS area, or may relay such information and decisions through an intermediary; 5. Articulation Possibilities: Relation of this Curriculum to the Occupation and Qualification Progression 2 P a g e
Learners entering this qualification will likely feed into the industry with a National Occupational Certificate: Vessel Traffic Services Supervisor, with a part qualification for Vessel Traffic Services Operator. The likely vertical progression for this qualification is a Pilot Boat Master or a Tug Boat Master. This National Occupational Certificate does not articulate horizontally with any other occupations. 6. International Comparability In recent years, there has been a rapid expansion in vessel traffic services, which has led to a significant increase in the number of VTS operators required world-wide. The services offered by VTSs vary considerably, and range from simple broadcasts of meteorological and hydrological information, through exchange of information to sophisticated navigational advice and, in circumstances where the authority exists, navigation-related instruction. Investigation of existing services reveals a wide variety of VTS operator entry requirements, ranging from personnel with no nautical background to those with a Master's and/or Pilot's licence. There is an equally wide variation in the type and extent of training provided to VTS operators. The various levels of knowledge and skill required of the operator, and the standard of training necessary to achieve these levels, have never been fully defined on a world-wide basis. At present there are no internationally recognized qualifications for VTS operators, and the approach to recruitment and training varies widely from country to country. Given the role of VTS in the provision of safety and efficiency services to shipping and in the protection of the environment, the need to avoid confusion on the part of users travelling from one VTS to another and the importance of professionalism on the part of operators in determining the extent of trust placed in the functioning and effectiveness of a VTS, it is essential that VTS personnel be adequately qualified and trained to carry out their functions, and that the standards for such qualification and training be agreed upon internationally to a large extent. International shipping operations need a common approach and universally agreed professional standards and competence for the delivery of Vessel Traffic Services (VTS). The successful delivery of such services depends upon competent and experienced personnel to discharge the responsibilities of a VTS Authority. Recognising that VTS personnel are members of a profession whose principle interaction is with mariners and maritime pilots for the safe management of maritime traffic, their competence needs to reflect that professional responsibility. 7. Rationale A service implemented by a competent authority, VTS is designed to improve the safety and efficiency of navigation, safety of life at sea and the protection of the marine environment. VTS is governed by SOLAS Chapter V Regulation 12 together with the Guidelines for Vessel Traffic Services [IMO Resolution A.857(20)] adopted by the International Maritime Organization on 27 November 1997. The VTS traffic image is compiled and collected by means of advanced sensors such as radar, AIS, direction finding, CCTV and VHF or other co-operative systems and services. A modern VTS integrates all of the information into a single operator working environment for ease of use and in order to allow for effective traffic organization and communication. Operator Working Position from Helsinki, Finland, VTS covering the area from Emäsalo to Ingå. The image shows a typical state-of-the-art integrated operator working position. 3 P a g e
In areas that are covered with VTS there are certain procedures for vessels to follow such as Area Procedures, Sector Areas, Arrival and Departure Reports, Approach Procedures, Pilotage Procedures and many more. Each of the above procedures are named with respect to the area that they serve. For example, in Norway, Oslofjord the Area Procedures are called "OSL1" and "OSL3" and in Netherlands, Rotterdam, Maas Approach and Maas Entrance are called "RTM2" and "RTM6" respectively. A VTS should always have a comprehensive traffic image, which means that all factors influencing the traffic as well as information about all participating vessels and their intentions should be readily available. By means of the traffic image, situations that are developing can be evaluated and responded upon. The data evaluation depends to a great extent on the quality of the data that is collected and the ability of the operator to combine this with an actual or developing situation. The data dissemination process exists of conveying the conclusions of the operator. A major factor in the efficient operation of a VTS centre is the standard of competence of its personnel. Recognising that VTS personnel are members of a profession whose principle interaction is with mariners and maritime pilots for the safe management of maritime traffic, their competence needs to reflect that professional responsibility. VTS personnel should be capable of interacting with vessel traffic in a VTS area. All VTS personnel should be appropriately trained before they undertake the duties associated with the type of services provided such as, Information Service (INS), Navigational Assistance Service (NAS) and / or Traffic Organisation Service (TOS). In order to carry out the duties required by a VTS Authority, VTS personnel should be appropriately trained and qualified to IALA V-103 standards. This means that VTS training is performed according to the Model Courses developed by IALA. It is for the VTS Authority to ensure that appropriately trained personnel are available to undertake these commitments. In order to ensure that IALA standards for VTS training meet the appropriate level, the VTS training courses should be accredited by the Competent Authority. This should help to ensure the competence of personnel that occupy operational positions in a VTS Centre. 4 P a g e
SECTION 2: OCCUPATIONAL PROFILE 1. Occupational Purpose The Vessel Traffic Services Supervisor plans, organises and manages the human-, physical- and operational aspects of the Vessel Traffic Service Centre to improve the safety and efficiency of navigation, safety of life at sea and the protection of the marine environment and/or the adjacent shore area, worksites and offshore installations from possible adverse effects of maritime traffic. 2. Occupational Tasks 1. Traffic management duties performed (NQF Level 5) 2. Dangerous cargoes identified aboard vessels and associated protocol followed (NQF Level 5) 3. Port related duties performed, coordinated and managed (NQF Level 5) 4. Receipt, analysis and dissemination of shipping information managed. (Data used in VTS) (NQF Level 5) 5. Uncleared vessels safeguarded before entering port limits (NQF Level 5) 6. Incidents, emergency situations and special circumstances identified and contingency plans executed and managed (NQF Level 5) 7. Legal compliance ensured (NQF Level 5) 3. Occupational Task Details 3.1 Traffic management duties performed (NQF Level 5) Seamless vessel traffic flow within port limits Monitor and control vessels traffic within the port limits as appropriate to the prevailing conditions to ensure safe flow of traffic through the entire area. Update and record chartwork / publications Perform effective and efficient port management Address traffic flow of dangerous cargoes Optimise equipment operation and availability Implement the legal framework within the port limits IALA IMO / IHO / ITU National Ports Act National Port Act (Port rules) Port specific SOP Vessel Traffic Routing Systems Vessel Traffic Controller requirements Ancillary courses Charts and Publications IMPA / IHMA / IAPH 5 P a g e
3.2 Dangerous cargoes identified aboard vessels and associated protocol followed (NQF Level 5) Safe transit of vessels within port limits Identify, prioritise and respond to dangerous cargoes within port limits Processes and procedures relating to vessel traffic services duties Occupational Health and Safety Procedures Operational procedures Marine pollution legislation Safety of Life at Sea Safe Working Practices Port Rules Policies, processes Work routines Codes of Safe Working Practice Legislation Managerial guidelines Safety Acts Business Continuity Plan (BCP) ISPS code Marine Traffic Regulations Marine Notices IMDG Code IALA Recommendations and Guidelines IMO Convention IAMSAR Manual 3.3 Port related duties performed, coordinated and managed (NQF Level 5) Integrated port management systems Coordinate information and manage pilotage and harbour operations Monitor and control the port management system to ensure the safety of navigation and protection of the environment Maximise the utilisation of physical and human resources to ensure an efficient service delivery (pilots, tugs, workboats, launches, berthing staff, Helicopter and VTS staff) Satisfy customer demand effectively and efficiently Report and follow-up on maintenance and repair within port limits Processes and procedures relating to vessel traffic services duties 6 P a g e
Occupational Health and Safety Procedures Operational procedures Marine pollution legislation Safety of Life at Sea Safe Working Practices Port Rules Policies, processes Work routines Codes of Safe Working Practice Legislation Managerial guidelines Safety Acts Business Continuity Plan (BCP) ISPS code Marine Traffic Regulations Marine Notices IMDG Code IALA Recommendations and Guidelines IMO Convention IAMSAR Manual Conditions of Work Environment Labour Legislation Skills Development Guidelines Performance Management Procedures Ergonomics 3.4 Receipt, analysis and dissemination of shipping information are managed. (Data used in VTS) (NQF Level 5) Integrated VTS management information system Ensure that radar surveillance of all areas, CCTV and AIS surveillance of the entire VTS area is maintained. Co-operate with users and allied services in the preparation of VTS sailing or route plans for traffic joining, departing or moving within a VTS area; Develop and promulgate a traffic plan; Prepare reports; Perform manual and electronic log keeping functions; Assess and document performance. Processes and procedures relating to vessel traffic services duties Occupational Health and Safety Procedures Operational procedures Marine pollution legislation Safety of Life at Sea Safe Working Practices 7 P a g e
Port Rules Policies, processes Work routines Codes of Safe Working Practice Legislation Managerial guidelines Safety Acts Business Continuity Plan (BCP) ISPS code Marine Traffic Regulations Marine Notices IMDG Code IALA Recommendations and Guidelines IMO Convention IAMSAR Manual 3.5 Safeguarding of uncleared vessels entering port limits (NQF Level 5) Port and facilities secured Ensure vessel clearances are managed Receive list of cleared vessels from port security services Commence service provision Processes and procedures relating to vessel traffic services duties Occupational Health and Safety Procedures Operational procedures Marine pollution legislation Safety of Life at Sea Safe Working Practices Port Rules Policies, processes Work routines Codes of Safe Working Practice Legislation Managerial guidelines Safety Acts Business Continuity Plan (BCP) ISPS code Marine Traffic Regulations Marine Notices IMDG Code IALA Recommendations and Guidelines IMO Convention IAMSAR Manual Internationally Accepted Practices for Combatting Piracy and Armed Robbery 8 P a g e
3.6 Incidents, emergency situations and special circumstances identified and contingency plans executed and managed (NQF Level 5) Emergencies timeously addressed Initiate and implement emergency procedures including liaison with emergency services as appropriate Organise and participate in routine emergency drills Train staff against emergency protocols Processes and procedures relating to vessel traffic services duties Occupational Health and Safety Procedures Operational procedures Marine pollution legislation Safety of Life at Sea Safe Working Practices Port Rules Policies, processes Work routines Codes of Safe Working Practice Legislation Managerial guidelines Safety Acts Business Continuity Plan (BCP) ISPS code Marine Traffic Regulations Marine Notices IMDG Code IALA Recommendations and Guidelines IMO Convention IAMSAR Manual Conditions of Work Environment Labour Legislation Skills Development Guidelines Performance Management Procedures Ergonomics 3.7 Legal compliance ensured within the port (NQF Level 3) Port legally compliant Understand and apply legal responsibilities, limitations and liabilities and their implications Identify and endorse safety related ship certificates 9 P a g e
Apply international, national and local acts and regulations Legal basis for VTS in international law UNCLOS SOLAS (Chapter V) COLREGS IMO resolutions and recommendations IALA recommendations and guidelines Legal liabilities and their implications to VTS Routine operations Incidents Accuracy of information promulgated Legal responsibilities/consequences of actions Requirements and limitations of their authority Legal liabilities and the implication to others in a VTS area Routine operations Incidents Other circumstances Shipping acts and regulations relating to VTS International regulations and resolutions National shipping acts and regulations Local bye-laws, circulars, guidance notes and accepted procedures Means of commenting on/promulgating changes to acts and regulations 10 P a g e