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WORKSHOP ON THE OBLIGATIONS OF COMPETENT AUTHORITIES FOR VTS Rome, Italy
The International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities (IALA), in association with the Italian Coast Guard, is hosting a workshop in Rome between 20 – 24 January 2025, to support and contribute to the development of guidance to assist competent authorities for VTS to meet their international obligations for establishing and operating VTS.
PURPOSE
The purpose of this workshop is to:
- Facilitate discussion and active engagement to identify key subject matter areas for developing guidance to assist competent authorities establish an appropriate policy and regulatory framework to ensure both themselves and VTS providers meet their respective obligations.
- Identify gaps in existing IALA documentation with regards to the role of competent authorities and practices that should be considered.
- Provide the opportunity to broaden the participation and engagement in preparing guidance for competent authorities.
Background
Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) are recognized internationally as a navigational safety measure through the International Convention on the Safety of Life at Sea 74/78 (SOLAS). Specifically:
- IMO Resolution A.1158(32) Vessel Traffic Services that describes the purpose of VTS, the regulatory and legal framework for establishing and operating VTS, the roles and responsibilities of Contracting Governments, competent authorities, VTS providers and participating ships and sets out the qualifications and training requirements for VTS personnel.
- The IMO Member State Audit Scheme (IMSAS) where Member States have the primary responsibility to establish and maintain an adequate and effective system to discharge their obligations as flag, port and/or coastal States emanating from applicable international law.
- IALA standards including recommendations, guidelines and model courses that specifically relate to the establishment and operation of VTS, as described in IMO resolution A.1158(32).
Existing IALA guidance for the establishment and operation of VTS is largely focused on the delivery of VTS, that is the responsibilities of VTS providers. However, there is little guidance available describing practices to assist Contracting Governments and competent authorities, such as:
- Implementing a regulatory framework for establishing and operating VTS in accordance with relevant international conventions and IMO instruments, IALA standards and national law.
- Authorizing VTS providers.
- Establishing appropriate policy and regulatory mechanisms to ensure VTS providers meet their obligations.
- Ensuring that VTS training is approved and VTS personnel are certified.
- Demonstrating conformance with IALA standards and associated recommendations, guidelines, and model courses.
- Establishing a compliance and enforcement framework with respect to violations of VTS regulatory requirements.
Topics
The workshop will involve working groups exploring the following topics:
- Policy Framework – the overarching structure for establishing laws, rules, and regulation for VTS. An effective policy framework should clearly document the processes to be followed.
- Legal and Regulatory Framework – national law and regulatory framework to regulate:
- VTS providers, including authorization, certification, and auditing.
- VTS training organizations, including accreditation, approval of model courses and auditing.
- Masters of vessels to provide information and reports required by VTS providers and to comply with their instructions.
Assessment / Auditing – associated with authorizing VTS providers and accrediting VTS
Goal
To contribute to the preparation of IALA guidance for competent authorities for VTS by the VTS Committee.
Process
The workshop will include presentations from expert
speakers and stakeholders on various aspects relevant to VTS and the use of
dedicated working groups to explore the topics.
Attendees
The workshop is directed towards IALA members, Competent Authorities for VTS, VTS providers, VTS Training Organizations and other stakeholders.
The working language of the workshop will be English.
Venue and workshop fee
The workshop fee will include:
- Participation at all sessions
- All material presented at the workshop
- Tea / coffee
- Lunch buffet (Tuesday – Friday)
- A welcome reception
- A workshop dinner
Delegates are most welcome to bring a spouse / partner / guest along to the social events. Please tick the box in the registration form. They may be asked to pay a fee for the welcome reception and workshop dinner – further information is available upon request.
The fee will be determined later and the registration will be open on the IALA website in due course.
Hotels
Rome details to follow soon. the informations will be soon available
Cancellation policy
All cancellations must be sent by e-mail to contact@iala-aism.org
A refund in full of the registration fee will only be provided if notification is given at least one week prior to the event. Otherwise, a cancellation charge of 50% will be applied. Name changes will be accepted. In case of a no-show, 100% of the registration fee will be charged.