What’s it like working as a Vessel Traffic Controller/Operator?

A Vessel Traffic Controller/Operator is responsible for the coordination of ships within the port or harbour. They work to avoid collisions or incidents by managing movements from a port control centre.

To help them meet this goal, Vessel Traffic Controllers/Operators are well versed in the use of computerised Vessel Traffic Management systems. Working shifts to cover the 24-hour, seven days a week demands of the role, Vessel Traffic Controllers/Operators may also offer traffic information and arrange for launches to take Pilots out to ships.

Photo : The International Association of Ports and Harbors

What kind of work can I do?

The size of the port, and consequently the number of ship movements have a bearing on the number of tasks expected of the Vessel Traffic Controller/Operator. However, Vessel Traffic Controllers/Operators will generally operate radar and radio equipment, make use of nautical charts to record a ship’s current position, plot courses, and forecast traffic flows.

Communication is key to successful Vessel Traffic Control, and operators will be in contact with the ship’s Master, the national Coast Guard agency, shipping agents, port/terminal operators, and metrological offices.

The Vessel Traffic Controller/Operator must also be able to handle emergency situations as the port control centre is the communication hub in any emergency situation.

Where can I work?

Vessel Traffic Controllers/Operators are generally employed directly by port authorities. Most openings request knowledge of port operations to include approaches, channel and port facilities, and shipboard experience is often desirable.

However, while in the past VTS operators have in the main been made up of ex-seafarers, increasing demand and a lack of seafarers to take on these roles, has opened up this career to candidates with little or no maritime experience.

Vessel Traffic Controllers/Operators keep the busy channels and entrances to the world’s ports free of incidents through good planning and communication.

Photo : The International Association of Ports and Harbors

Aarhus, Gunhild Storeide, Traffic Control Officer, Port of Aarhus

As a traffic control officer in the Port of Aarhus, Gunhild Storeide needs to keep a cool head to sort out the traffic flow puzzle. She gets a lot of help from the company’s computer system.

“My job consists of planning and coordinating shipping movements here in the Port of the Aarhus.

It’s a juggling act to organise ships needing a pilot, tug or crew to help moor on arrival and to ensure cranes have been booked. I like being busy and no two days are the same.

We have a computer system which helps us coordinate things and we always keep the system updated since the more accurate it is the easier the planning. I get input partly form vessels and agents on the assistance they need and times of arrival. The system works with our AIS system that can identify ships many hours before they arrive and calculate very precise arrival times based on their course and speed. The AIS system is reasonably new and can spot vessels a long way off and it really helps achieve grater efficiency in the port.”

Source: Shipping, Ports and Road Transport

How big is this sector?

However, while in the past VTS operators have in the main been made up of ex-seafarers, increasing demand and a lack of seafarers to take on these roles, has opened up this career to candidates with little or no maritime experience.

Photo : The International Association of Ports and Harbors