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Assess the need and scope of port vessel traffic services

URN: PSSHM108
Business Sectors (Suites): Harbour Masters
Developed by: Port Skills & Safety
Approved on: 30 Jul 2020

Overview

This standard covers the competence required to assess the need for an appropriate vessel traffic service based on a formal risk assessment.

It includes assessing the need for, and scope of, an appropriate port vessel traffic services based on a formal risk assessment.

The role requires the interpretation and application of, and compliance with, relevant international and national regulations; local legislation, codes of practice, standards, frameworks and industry guidance.

Target Group

This standard applies to individuals who have a duty to facilitate the safe and efficient use of the harbour.
Typically, this will be the Harbour Master or Authorised Deputies with delegated powers.


Note that in this NOS, unless otherwise specified, the term port may also mean harbour.  However, the term harbour does not necessarily mean port.

Performance criteria

You must be able to:

1. conduct a navigational risk assessment  2. identify risk management measures, suitable to reduce risks to As Low As Reasonably Practicable (ALARP) 3. assess the need for and scope of port vessel traffic services, either Vessel Traffic Services or Local Port Information Services based on a formal risk assessment 4. produce documented findings and recommendations in line with accepted practice and circulate findings and outputs to affected stakeholders

Knowledge and Understanding

You need to know and understand:

  1. international and national regulations; local legislation; codes of practice, standards, frameworks and industry guidance relating to vessel traffic services and navigation
  2. the purpose, typical functioning principles, benefits and constraints of Vessel Traffic Services and Local Port Information Services 

  3. how to use formal Risk Assessment to establish

    1. the need for a vessel traffic service
    2. the extent of any necessary vessel traffic management service

  4. the extent and features of the physical environment for which the harbour master has responsibility and authority

  5. the port marine operations and activities typically undertaken in the physical environment for which the harbour master has responsibility and authority and/or which might impact on the safe and efficient use of the harbour
  6. how to produce recommendations based on findings from a formal assessment process in line with accepted practice.
  7. who the appropriate vessel traffic services stakeholders are
  8. the methods used to promulgate findings and recommendations to stakeholders

Scope/range

Scope Performance

Scope Knowledge

Values

Behaviours

Skills

Glossary

Links To Other NOS

External Links

Version Number

3

Indicative Review Date

31 Jul 2025

Validity

Current

Status

Original

Originating Organisation

Port Skills and Safety

Original URN

PSS HM108

Relevant Occupations

Harbour Masters, Harbour Masters and those with delegated Harbour Master powers

SOC Code

1241

Keywords

safe and efficient use of the harbour, harbour, marine, port, harbour master deputy harbour master, vessel traffic service, risk assessment, assistant harbour master