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If you haven't already done so please read the Introduction which explains the Purpose, Scope and Authenticity of the information provided.
This Page contains sections on
The World VTS Guide provides a readily accessible source of reference that has been designed to be easy to use.
Each VTS Guide is issued with code letters. You will find that these code letters approximate to the Airport Identification Code for the area concerned.
Each VTS Centre or area is arranged progressing from a general overview to a detailed description, both in diagrammatic and written form.
Whenever possible, information is presented in the order that is required by an inwards bound vessel.
For Port VTS, outward bound information commences at the berth, and continues until the vessel clears the area.
This Web Site contains the Documents that comprise the World VTS Guide data bank. The information is arranged by the Location area and Port or VTS Name.
This site is best viewed using a Version 4, or later, Browser such as Netscape Navigator or Internet Explorer.
If you don't already have it you will also need to obtain a copy of Acrobat Reader to open and print the Data Sheets. Use the following link to obtain a free copy.
From the Home Page select Location and Port Finder to navigate your way to the required Port or VTS Service.
There are two ways to view the Data Sheets when you have located the required Port information page -
Method (1). Select the Download button and a "ZIP" archive file will be downloaded into your computer. Then use a ZIP decompression program to expand the files to their normal size, these PDF files can then be opened, viewed and printed using Adobe Acrobat Reader software. (ZIP is a common file compression format which can be decompressed with readily available utilities such as PKZip, WinZip and Stuffit Expander, PDF is Adobe 'Portable Document Format'. These formats are not restricted to the Windows PC platform.) This method will provide the shortest download times. [NOTE: You should not install a "ZIP" Plug-in in your Browser].
Method (2A). If you have the Acrobat Reader Plug-in installed with your Internet Browser program (such as Netscape Navigator or Internet Explorer) select the name of the file you wish to see and you will view the Data Sheet while you are on-line.
Method (2B). This method has the advantage of minimising on-line telephone charges when compared to Method 2A. To download the Data Sheet to your computer without viewing it on-line, check to see if you have the Acrobat Reader Plug-in installed with your Internet Browser program, (this check can be carried out by trying Method 2A), if you do, remove it from the "Plug-ins" directory/folder associated with your Internet Browser program (e.g. Netscape Navigator or Internet Explorer). After downloading, the Data Sheet can then be opened for viewing and printed as necessary using the Adobe Acrobat Reader program on your computer. You may be asked by your Internet Browser program, while attempting to download the Port files, if you want to add the ability to view these files in the Browser, for this Method (2B) answer no.
The data sheets for every location contain more that one page. Using Method 2 each page will need to obtained separately, the number of relevant pages is shown on the Port or Location page from where you control the download. After each page, use your Browser Controls to return (Back) to the Port page.
Whenever possible, those symbols specified by the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) are used. The following specialist symbols are used:
Limit of VTS Zone Pilotage Limit Sector lines Waypoint Lines (Calling in Point Lines)
Some diagrams may show local traffic separation arrangements. For IMO approved schemes please refer to "Ship's Routeing" (IMO).
The IMO Standard Ship Reporting System is used throughout the World Vessel Traffic Services Guide. Use this link to view an abbreviated single page version in Acrobat Reader format (file size 5k), or use this link to download a ZIP file (file size 4k) containing the same document.
Selecting this symbol takes you up one level of pages (NOT to top of current page).
Selecting this symbol returns you to the Home or Welcome page.
On the Port Pages, following each Download Button or Page Link, the number followed by 'k' shows the size of the respective file, e.g. 28k means the size of the file is approximately 28,000 bytes. This will guide you as to the download time required - which also depends, amongst other things, on your modem speed and how busy the Internet links are.
The various Trademarks and Registered Names mentioned on this Web Page are acknowledged as belonging to their respective owners. All other information is © World Vessel Traffic Services Guide.