Vessels must obtain clearance from the VTS centre before using the VTS area.
The term ‘use’ includes:
- vessels entering a VTS area;
- vessels that are set in motion in a VTS area;
- vessels that are anchoring;
- vessels that want to make navigational changes in relation to what has been decided by or agreed with the VTS centre, including stops along the way.
Requests for clearance to use a VTS area must be made via the VTS centre’s VHF channel before entering the VTS area or before leaving the quay or anchorage position in the VTS area, and must include the vessel’s international call sign, name and planned sailing route. Requests from vessels longer than 100 metres or carrying hazardous or noxious cargo must be made at least one hour before the expected time of departure.
Vessels towing or pushing a vessel that has clearance to use the VTS area do not need their own clearance.