Traffic at ports can be as busy as on some popular motorway these days; and safety again becomes the major concern. In order to avoid accidents, Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) system is employed all over the world. It is a combination of radars, CCTV, AIS and VHF radiotelephony which creates a navigational picture of some water area. To ensure that competent personnel are in charge of the system VTS Training was developed. It is guided by the IALA (International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities). They present four model courses (V103/1 to V-103/4) which form complete training scheme for VTS personnel.

The VTS Induction Course often precedes or merges into VTS Operator Training (IALA V103/1) which is conducted on simulator and familiarizes students with the VTS system equipment; trains to manage traffic and use VHF radio. There are also comprehensive communication and emergency response modules. At the end of the course there is a simulator assessment.

Next level is VTS Supervisor Advancement Training (IALA V-103/2). There are strict entry requirements of minimum 12 months as VTS Operator and Refresher course in 3 years. The course itself comprises of 6 modules covering advanced traffic management, administrative functions, legislation brief, etc.

After the appointment to the VTS center, Operator trainee is due to take VTS On-the-Job Training (OJT) (IALA V103/3), so as to practice traffic management, equipment operation, communication techniques and emergency reaction in a working, but still safe and supervised environment.

Finally, VTS On-Job Training (OJT) Instructor Course (IALA V-103/4) is designed to prepare well-qualified VTS instructors who will couch, direct and evaluate Operator trainees in the working atmosphere.  There is also VTS Refresher course (IALA V103/5) aimed to professional development of VTS Operators and VTS Radar/ARPA training dedicated to the particular part of the VTS system.