Vessel Traffic System Research Articles

Quantitative Determination of Port VTMS Levels

In this paper, a quantitative study is made of the determination of the level of a vessel traffic management system (VTMS) in a port. Also established is a mathematical model, which conforms to the actual situation in Chinese ports and which takes account of the ideas contributed by experts in relevant fields. With the help of the model, the port needs for VTMS are evaluated in a comprehensive and objective way, the overall levels of VTMS are determined and their corresponding standards set. A computer simulation verification has proven the effectiveness of the model.

An assessment of DSS performance: The impact of utilization and closure

The information technology described is a U.S. Coast Guard vessel movement reporting system, known as a vessel traffic service. This group decision support system aids vessel operators to navigate a treacherous portion of the Mississippi River from the Gulf of Mexico to Baton Rouge. Voluntary participants provide inputs for a computer simulated tracking of vessels and receive relevant information about marine traffic from the system. Two time series regression models explain changes in system performance as specified by objective, quantitative criterion variables known as critical success factors. One model relates changes in the safety criteria (vessel accidents) with utilization of the vessel traffic service, and the other regression explains changes in system utilization with factors which dictate use. Despite initial criticism that this decision support system was technically flawed because it did not use radar or television to establish the real-time presence and progress of vessel traffic, this research provides evidence that the vessel traffic service has been very effective in reducing vessel accidents on the lower Mississippi River. The findings suggest that not only are utilization levels of these systems important, but also their very presence is crucial for vessels wishing to avail themselves of the service. The presence of the system provided measurable benefits, while the absence of the vessel traffic system precipitated higher accident rates through lower user participation after its eventual reinstatement.

Electronic Charts in the Nineties

Electronic charts rely on the microprocessor, GPS or Loran, and radar. The electronic chart is a legal document; the administrative and legal factors involved in its development must be described, along with technical improvements. Provisional standards are expected to become final in 1993. Radar improves the Electronic Chart Display Information System (ECDIS) by showing images of vessels or objects in or near own ship, displaying collision possibilities, and confirming the accuracy of the positioning system. Electronic charts can be updated by radio so that ships entering harbors can have an up-to-date chart. ECDIS displays are similar to Vessel Traffic System displays, easing the problems of attaining ship control in harbors. ECDIS sea trials are continuing, with a major project to get under way in the United States. ECDIS will probably be a building block towards an integrated navigation system, with equipment carriage becoming mandatory.

Speed Control: A Useful Tool of VTS

This paper discusses some of the implications of speed control in the vessel traffic picture, emphasizing how speed relates to other safety factors so that control can be utilized with understanding and sensitivity. Speed control can seldom if ever be examined in isolation. The structuring of vessel traffic schemes implies a need for some form of speed control as an integral part of almost all those schemes. One technique reinforces the other. Speed limits become extremely critical at the lower end of the speed scale, the higher the traffic density, the more critical the limits. Again, the requirement for enforcement becomes clear. No over-emphasis of these operational limitations should be allowed to cloud the indisputable fact that — for the individual ship as well as for traffic management — speed control can be a most useful tool. At least three papers have been published in recent years pointing out that speed reduction by ships for safety purposes, either by individual ships themselves or through general imposition by a shore-based vessel traffic system (VTS), needs in all cases to be used with great care, reluctance even. Their warnings can easily be turned into a negative approach to such control. A number of points would therefore seem to demand looking at again.

The Evolution of Loran-C Coverage

This paper addresses the evolution of Loran-C signal coverage worldwide with comments on where such coverages may be expected to be implemented in the near future. Also addressed are privately operated Loran-C type systems and new system applications for Loran-C such as the Suez Canal Vessel Traffic System which may provide impetus for further expansion.

Satellite Aided Coastal Zone Monitoring and Vessel Traffic System

NAVIGATIONVolume 27, Issue 4 p. 290-304 Satellite Aided Coastal Zone Monitoring and Vessel Traffic System J. L. BAKER, J. L. BAKER James L. Baker, President of Baker Development Corporation, is an Advanced Technology Satellite experimenter and a consultant to the Goddard Space Flight Center. He presented this paper at the ION Annual Meeting, Monterey, in June 1980.Search for more papers by this author J. L. BAKER, J. L. BAKER James L. Baker, President of Baker Development Corporation, is an Advanced Technology Satellite experimenter and a consultant to the Goddard Space Flight Center. He presented this paper at the ION Annual Meeting, Monterey, in June 1980.Search for more papers by this author First published: Winter 1980 https://doi.org/10.1002/j.2161-4296.1980.tb01431.x AboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditWechat Volume27, Issue4Winter 1980Pages 290-304 RelatedInformation

Pilots in the Marine Traffic System

To the world's marine traffic system has been introduced a new and sometimes controversial element—Vessel Traffic Systems (VTS)—representing a necessary governmental attempt at more orderly management of marine traffic, to increase a no longer politically adequate overall level of safety. However, VTS overlaps some of the traditional interests and functions of pilots. Both are concerned with the safe and efficient movements of the ship. The pilots' self-respect—even their livelihood—is seen to be threatened. Under these circumstances, VTS cannot realize its full potential. But VTS is here to stay. To help overcome these very natural human problems here in the United States, any approach could include: (1) upgrading the senior VTS watchstander; (2) compulsary negotiation of vessel passage plans between pilots and VTS; (3) nationwide minimum federal qualifications and standards for pilots, and rules for their use; (4) temporary assignment of pilots to the Vessel Traffic Center (VTC) in extremely bad weather; (5) required pilot training time in a VTC; and (6) otherwise offering pilots a more active role in VTS.

Current and Proposed USCG and IMCO Regulations for Communications and Navigation Equipment for Vessels Over 1600 Gross Tons

Shipowners and operators are continually faced with the responsibility of complying with regulatory body requirements. In the United States, the Coast Guard and the Federal Communications Commission are the agencies that issue and administer the regulations that apply to communications and navigation equipment. Many of the current and proposed regulations of these agencies resulted from IMCO proceedings and were implemented as required by international treaty. A basic understanding of these regulations is essential. Proposed changes should be of concern and should be thoroughly analyzed to determine their operational and financial impact. This paper discusses the rules and regulations in effect on 1 January 1979. A discussion of special requirements for Maritime, Administration subsidized new construction is also presented. A discussion of each of the following proposed or recently enacted changes is also presented:Port Safety and Tank Vessel Act of 1978,USCG requirements for Loran C,changes due to the 1974 Safety of Life At Sea Convention,a proposed Class С Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon,VHF requirements for vessel traffic systems,oil transfer communication requirements, andproposed changes for main/reserve antennas.

A COMPARATIVE RISK ASSESSMENT TECHNIQUE FOR TANKER OIL SPILLS

ABSTRACT The tanker oil spill risk assessment model (TRAM) allows a user to investigate the way in which oil spill probabilities, and amounts spilled, vary with such factors as fleet composition, navigational aids, or particular properties of the route. Such a comparison of alternatives is generally required for an environmental impact statement. TRAM operates through multiplication of a series of matrices: P, Q, R, and S. The rows and columns of all matrices are parameterized by accident type (such as collision or grounding) and location (such as at a pier, or in a harbor). The probability of an accident (P) and of a spill following an accident (Q) are based on world tanker fleet data. The matrix S expresses the conditional probability that if there is a spill, the vessel will be a total loss. This enables catastrophic spills in which spill size can be related to vessel size to be distinguished from minor spills in which vessel size is generally not a factor. The matrix R contains most of the unique features of the model. It accounts for vessel and route-specific features that reasonably may be expected to alter the world tanker fleet data. Examples are given from the literature for the elements of R corresponding to: fleet composition (domestic/foreign carrier); navigation aids such as vessel traffic system; vessel age, and construction (double hull, inerting system, segregated ballast, etc.); and various features of the tanker route, such as channel width and traffic density, based on Macduff's causation probability formalism. The practical usage of the model is demonstrated by applying it to a hypothetical project involving tanker oil transportation. The extension of this analysis technique to other forms of risk analysis studies (including operations other than oil transport) is also discussed.

Vessel Traffic Management Systems: Some Considerations

When planning the replacement of an existing shore-based radar advice chain, which may have admirably served the port area under consideration for the past fifteen or twenty years, a number of basic elements have to be reviewed. The review and the ensuing process of analysis should be steps towards the adoption of a basic philosophy for the eventual development of a replacement system; this is necessary to judge requirements in relation to the many possible solutions, ranging from a simple shore-based radar advice service to sophisticated vessel traffic management systems. Elements for consideration include:(i) The area to be served, present and future.(ii) The traffic pattern, present and future.(iii) The technology available or under development.(iv) The other operational and administrative services available to shipping.(v) The quality of manning and manning scales.(vi) The economics of the shipping industry.(vii) The cost of the new system.(viii) The distribution of this cost over shipping and the community in general.(ix) Legal aspects.Besides these factual considerations and their analysis we should develop a philosophy regarding the aims of the system, which could be an improvement in port operation efficiency, in traffic safety, or in vessel turn-around time. The realization of these aims will probably result in economic benefits both for the port and for shipping and these will have to be weighed when investigating the distribution of system cost over shipping and the community in general.

Vessel Traffic Services

Abstract : This paper will examine the historical impetus for Vessel Traffic System (VTS) development in the United States. Cost benefit techniques utilized to establish the VTS requirement are discussed and the data base upon which the analysis is conducted is critiqued. General Accounting Office criticism of the Coast Guard's VTS development process are analyzed. Finally VTS is examined as a single component in the improvement of port logistics, which must be arrayed against other alternatives to make the most effective use of scarce resources. This final element is discussed with respect to the Federal government's attempt to recover clearly allocatable costs in the form of user fees. (Author)

Tanker Safety: Vessel Traffic Control?

A response to an article by L.J. Carter and letters by T. S. Wyman and A. McKenzie showed that 85% of all shipping accidents result from human error, so that this is an area that should be emphasized. The individuals who operate tankers must be tested and retrained and stricter standards must be enforced in regard to the number of hours a person may be in control of a tanker. The number of accidents that have occurred and the number projected in the future make it clear that vessel traffic control systems should be installed along our entire coast, and especially in those heavily congested areas near harbors. The projected increase in the numbers of tankers and oil platforms in the Santa Barbara channel sets the stage for the collision of an oil tanker with a producing platform, particularly when those platforms are located between traffic lanes. Yet the U.S. Coast Guard's position is that the situation is not serious enough to invest in traffic control. However, the cost of installing and maintaining that control is far less than the cost of cleaning up after one disaster.

Traffic Models for use in Vessel Traffic Systems

A model is developed for conflicts between ships at route intersections. Quantitative measures are presented for conflict intensity and duration and for intersection capacity. These measures are shown to be related to the geometry of the intersection and to the statistics of the incident flows. An optimum intersection angle is found.

Traffic analysis and display for the San Francisco Vessel Traffic System

To help improve harbor safety in the face of increasing shipping volume and vessel sites, an experimental Vessel Traffic System has been designed, fabricated, and installed in San Francisco Harbor. The Traffic Analysis and Display portion of the system uses computer generated synthetic map and text displays to provide an interactive system for up to three operators. A series of services has been designed which enable the operators to obtain radar contact information and to enter, modify, and recall text information through a series of simple keyboard actions. In addition to the interactive working displays, 4 supporting displays have been provided for designated map segments of the harbor, along with two alpha numeric displays for summary text information. A set of symbols has been developed to allow quick recognition of the vessel traffic situation by the operators. A control computer connected to three interactive display computers and five passive display units provides complete radar contact processing and display, as well as quick response to independent operator requests for information or services. The operators can put vessels into any one of 3 basic categories which allows them to keep the vessels sorted and easily follow the progress of the important ones through the harbor. A background program supplements the operator actions by looking for and reporting specific trouble situations, such as collision warnings, allowing an operator to concentrate on a particular situation without fear of missing a major problem elsewhere in the harbor.

Coast Guard Vessel Traffic Systems: Present and Future

Coast Guard Vessel Traffic Systems: Present and Future

Human factors aspects in a level IV vessel traffic system operations centre : Cowan, M.F. Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, California, Sept. 1973. Abstr in Government Reports Announcements (Report No. AD-769 693/3GA)

Human factors aspects in a level IV vessel traffic system operations centre : Cowan, M.F. Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, California, Sept. 1973. Abstr in Government Reports Announcements (Report No. AD-769 693/3GA)

Concepts For Future Vessel Traffic Systems

a unique aspect of the San Francisco Experimental Vessel Traffic System has been its extensive use of real time automatic processing technology. Automatic detection and tracking of vessels in radar coverage areas has successfully been accomplished even in the presence of clutter. Vessel movement information has been extracted, presented to operators on computer-animated displays, and traffic analyzed both automatically and at the request of operators. But these demonstrated capabilities should be employed only as a guide to the design of future systems and not interpreted as a literal prototype configuration. Future system designs should assume traffic will be controlled, rather than advised. Risk analysis based upon port geometry, traffic levels, and minimum turning radius can contribute to assessing deployment priorities. Vessel routing should be constrained to follow narrow tracks rather than broad lanes. A minimum configuration would be based upon a computerized Vessel Movement Reporting (VMR) system. Data entry and retrieval terminals could be available within the maritime community. Information, including guidance, could be selectively distributed to active ships via a novel multiplexed television transmission. All radar configurations would include automatic detection and tracking equipment. Finally, area navigation systems could be integrated with VTS. The opinions expressed in this document are those of the author, presented in the interest of stimulating discussion, and they do not necessarily reflect the views of either the Applied Physics Laboratory or the United States Coast Guard.

Environmentally Protection R & D Applied to Ships and Watercraft

ABSTRACTContinued public concern over environmental quality has led to new requirements for pollution free operation of ships and watercraft These requirements are founded upon various Public Laws and their implementing Regulations. New equipment and operating procedures are needed to meet these requirements. In particular, systems to prevent ship accidents and equipment to reduce pollutant discharges must be developed. This paper summarizes the legal requirements for shipboard pollution prevention and describes the current status of R&D to provide waste treatment devices for shipboard use. Vessel Traffic Systems, bilge/ballast water separators, sewage treatment device and ship exhaust emission R&D is emphasized.