Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) and e-Navigation to safely and efficiently connect Regions

Claresta, Gianiti; Baldauf, Michael · 2020 · Crossref

DOI: 10.34647/jmv.nr6.id46

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Summary

This paper investigates the operational effectiveness of Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) in the Sunda Strait, Indonesia, with a specific focus on the Merak VTS center. The research is motivated by the high traffic density and safety concerns in the Sunda Strait, which connects Java and Sumatra and serves as a critical route for national and international shipping, including heavy ferry traffic. Despite its importance, the area has experienced several maritime accidents, including collisions and groundings, between 2011 and 2019. The study aims to determine how Merak VTS can improve its contribution to traffic safety and efficiency by benchmarking its operations against international standards (IMO Resolution A.857(20) and IALA Guideline 1111) and comparing its practices with the established Warnemünde VTS in Germany. The authors employed a qualitative research design involving empirical studies, including site visits, participant observation, and interviews with VTS personnel in both Indonesia and Germany. They analyzed secondary data, such as Standard Operational Procedures (SOPs) and regulatory guidelines, to assess compliance across three dimensions: technical equipment, human element (staff qualifications and training), and administrative work. The study specifically evaluated the implementation of VTS functions—Information Service (INS), Navigational Assistance Service (NAS), and Traffic Organization Service (TOS)—and examined the integration of routeing measures and mandatory ship reporting systems. The findings reveal significant disparities in compliance and operational maturity between the two VTS centers. Merak VTS demonstrated high compliance in administrative work (88% partial compliance) and the human element (50% full compliance), but its technical aspect showed lower adherence to IALA Guideline 1111, with only 61% full compliance. Key technical deficiencies included the lack of environmental protection systems, long-range identification and tracking (LRIT), and satellite-based synthetic aperture radar (SARSAT). Furthermore, Merak VTS currently operates primarily as an Information Service, lacking the authority to actively organize traffic or enforce regulations, unlike the German model. A critical difference in the human element is that Merak staff lack a mariner’s background, whereas Warnemünde staff are required to have prior sea-going experience, which enhances their situational awareness and decision-making capabilities. Training in Indonesia is also less standardized and frequent compared to the rigorous, recurring IALA V-103 module training in Germany. The study concludes that while Merak VTS provides valuable safety services, its potential is limited by technical gaps and a lack of enforcement power. The authors recommend upgrading Merak VTS to include Navigational Assistance and Traffic Organization services, particularly as Traffic Separation Schemes and mandatory Ship Reporting Systems are implemented. They emphasize the need for better-trained staff with maritime backgrounds, improved technical equipment, and stronger inter-agency collaboration. These improvements are seen as essential for enhancing maritime safety, optimizing traffic flow, and supporting the broader goals of e-Navigation and environmental protection in the region.

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• regulatory evaluation