Task Description

Task name :

Develop guidance on VTS digital communications
Leading committee and working group owning the task: VTS WG 1
Tasks associated (*leading) : VTS - 6.3.2 - Develop guidance on VTS digital communications
VTS* - 2.5.2 - Develop Technical Service Specifications for VTS
VTS* - 2.8.1 - Develop a Product Specification S-212 for VTS on digital information
VTS - 2.5.2.c - Coordination and combined use of VTS S-100 Technical Services (choreography)
Tags: Work programme 2025-2027, Work programme 2023-2027
Task Leader : Jan Remi Hoeve
Task Number : VTS-1.3.1
Standards : S1040 Vessel Traffic Services
Topic area : S1040.3 VTS Communications
Task Description : Develop guidance on VTS digital communications (operational aspects) (in consultation with DTEC)
Objectives of the task :

The purpose of the guideline is to specify how to implement the practices associated with Recommendations R0127 - VTS Operations and R1012 ‐ VTS Communications for the interaction between VTS and ships by digital means and in a manner that enables both the participating ship and the VTS to meet their obligations associated with the IMO resolution for VTS and associated IALA Standards.

In particular, the purpose of the guidance is to harmonize digital communications between VTS, ships and Remote Control Centres through standard message structure, format and elements. It aims to provide the framework for:

  • How ships can meet their reporting requirements by digital means.
  • How VTS interacts with and manages ship traffic to ensure the safety and efficiency of ship movements by providing information or issuing advice, warnings and instructions as deemed necessary by digital means or supported by digital means.
  • Ensuring communications convey the same meaning and intent, irrespective of whether provided by VHF voice or digitally.
Expected outcome : New Guideline
Compelling need :

The IMO Resolution for VTS states, inter alia, that:

  • “1.4 In complying with these Guidelines, Contracting Governments should take account of applicable IMO instruments and refer to the relevant international guidance prepared and published by appropriate international organizations.”
  • “3.2 To achieve its purpose, a VTS should provide information or issue advice, warnings and instructions as deemed necessary.”
  • “7.5 Effective harmonized data exchange and information-sharing is fundamental to overall operational efficiency and safety. VTS providers are encouraged to make use of automated reporting where possible.”

IALA Guideline 1141 - Operational Procedures for Delivering VTS states that:

“Where the VTS provides information in digital format, processes and procedures on digital information exchange should be established. This information may include, for example, the use of AIS messages to provide information on weather, virtual AtoN's or the exchange of route information between vessels and VTS.
Strategic Alignment :

O1 - Innovate, improve, and harmonise Marine Aids to Navigation constantly reflecting changing technology & system obsolescence, changing user needs, operational imperatives, environmental sustainability, and best practice.

O2 - Develop applicable international standards, recommendations and guidelines for adoption and use by its members and other relevant organizations or parties.
Scope :

In Scope: The proposed guideline is associated with the obligations for participating ships and VTS under IMO Resolution A.1158(32) and national law for:

  • Ships providing reports or information from ships required by VTS; and
  • VTS achieving its purpose in providing information or issuing advice, warnings and instructions as deemed necessary.

The guidance should be consistent with the following guidance to ensure communications convey the same meaning and intent, irrespective of whether provided by VHF voice or digitally:

  • G1089 – Provision of a VTS
  • G1141 – Operational Procedures for Delivering VTS
  • G1132 – VTS Voice Communications and Phraseology

Out of scope: VTS digital information exchange with allied services and other stakeholders not related with the navigation of the vessels.
Cybersecurity related :

Yes
Brief and concise description of the work : to be undertaken and programme mile-stones (where appropriate).

Preparation of a new IALA Guideline for VTS Digital Communication and Interaction.

Key milestones include:

VTS51 - First draft and continuous developments

VTS58 - First draft completed to be considered by the Committee

VTS59 - Draft completed and forwarded to Council for approval

June 2026 - Draft approved by Council
Expected numbers of sessions for completion :
Session 54 Session 55 Session 56 Session 57 Session 58 Session 59 Session 60
v v v v + v

Meaning of symbols for sessions :

v + x > <
Scheduled Progressed Not progressed Finalised On hold
Committee notes : Origins :

•2018-22 Work Programme

Approved by Council (Council session/Date) : 0
Notes from the council :
Status (Text) : Ongoing
Status (Colour) :
On track
Remarks :

History of the task :

2025-02-12 15:01:28 VTSCC

2025-02-12 15:02:08 VTSCC

2025-02-12 15:08:31 VTSCC

2025-03-12 16:23:13 VTSTGL2

2025-03-18 16:20:19 VTSCC

2025-03-27 12:17:26 VTSWG1C

2025-05-04 18:31:05 alisa.nechyporuk

2025-09-17 14:47:28 VTSWG1C

2025-10-27 20:53:16 VTSCC

A draft final version was completed and sent for silent approval at VTS58. Significant comments were made on expressions that could be misunderstood and that were included in figures that needed to be updated. It was agreed to continue the work at VTS59 to update the GL accordingly.