A Ship Based Approach to Determine the Effectiveness of VTS Systems in Reducing Vessel Accidents in Congested Waters

Dr. Ender Asyali

Dokuz Eylul University School of Maritime Business and Management

Dr. Ender Asyali

Abstract

Safety has become a major issue in maritime community as the adverse effects of increased marine transportation have become a serious problem especially at congested waters like narrow straits, ports and port approaches. As a precaution, shore-based centers called VTS, have been used widely in these water bodies for monitoring, controlling, and directing the vessel traffic and also collecting and disseminating information about the traffic situation and navigational hazards. In this study the author explains the effectiveness of VTS systems in reducing vessel accidents by using the experiences and the perceptions of the mariners who had direct experiences on these systems as user. The maximum benefit to be obtained through the introduction of a VTS system was estimated by using the causal factors of accidents as a starting point on collisions and groundings. Also the results of this study have been compared with the studies that were done on this subject by different institutions and at different levels.