VTS Underpinning Knowledge IALA/MCA (C0103-1)

This is a one-week MCA approved course for those who are training to become VTS Operators (IALA Model Course C-0103-1). The course takes place onsite, normally running Monday to Friday 09:00-17:00 with breaks for lunch and refreshments.

Areas of study include:

• Communication coordination and interaction (including use of SMCP)
• Legal Framework of VTS
• Provision of VTS
• VTS Equipment 
• Human factors
• Emergency situations

This course covers the theory and regulations regarding VTS. Following this course candidates normally undertake the one-week VTS Simulation course. After successfully completing both of these courses, candidates are qualified to work as VTS Operators in VTS centres.

There are two main routes of entry onto this course:

Route 1 – Candidates from a non-marine background must obtain the following qualifications to enrol on this course: VTS VHF (or GMDSS ROC/GOC) and VTS Nautical Knowledge (including Radar/ARPA).

Route 2 –Candidates from a marine background with a Deck OOW unlimited or above are eligible to enrol on this course.

Where English is not their first language candidates require English Language certification to the equivalent of IELTS Level 5.0.