Context: Recently, the Union Ministry of Shipping launched the development of Indigenous Software solution for Vessel traffic services (VTS) and Vessels Traffic Monitoring Systems (VTMS).

Key Points

• VTS and VTMS is a software which determines vessel positions, position of other traffic or meteorological hazard warnings and extensive management of traffic within a port or waterway.
• The Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) contribute to safety of life at sea, safety and efficiency of navigation and protection of the marine environment.
• The VTS also provides protection to adjacent shore areas, work sites and offshore installations from possible adverse effects of maritime traffic.
• The Vessels Traffic Management Systems are installed at busiest waters in the world, and are making valuable contribution to safer navigation, more efficient traffic flow, and protection of the environment.
• VTMS is mandatory under IMO Convention SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea).
• The VTMS traffic image is compiled and collected by means of advanced sensors such as radar, AIS, direction finding, CCTV and VHF.
• Currently, India has approximately 15 VTS systems operational along the Indian Coast and there is no uniformity of VTS software as each system has its own VTS software.

The indigenous development of VTS software will benefit with respect to:

• Saving of foreign exchange for various VTSs in India.
• VTS Software can be provided to Indian trade friendly nations viz. Maldives, Mauritius, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Mauritius, Bangladesh and Gulf countries.
• Minimize the cost for future upgradations of software.
• Easier to interconnect with MIS/ERP softwares of ports.
• Availability of Indian VTS software shall make Indian companies to be competitive commercially in global bids.

Additional Information
Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS)

• It is an international maritime treaty that requires signatory flag states to ensure that flagged vessels meet minimum safety standards for operation, equipment, and construction.
• It was born after the sinking of the 1914 RMS Titanic.
• The third version of the Convention was adopted in 1960 and entered into force in 1965.
• It contains various chapters dealing with ship-building, security, cargo transport and International Ship and Port Facility Security Code.
• It provides for international maritime safety for flag vessels to meet minimum safety standards with reference to the construction, equipment, and operation.