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Manage port vessel traffic

URN: PSSHM109
Business Sectors (Suites): Harbour Masters
Developed by: Port Skills & Safety
Approved on: 30 Jul 2020

Overview

This is unit covers the development and operation of Vessel Traffic Services and Local Port Services to maintain navigational safety, including control of dangerous and polluting substances.

This standard is directly associated with standard HM108 assess the need and scope of port vessel traffic services.   An individual would need to be able to meet standard HM108 before they could meet standard HM109.

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 and regulate the movement and handling of dangerous and polluting substances within the port’s area of jurisdiction.
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. develop comprehensive procedures for the operation of a vessel traffic service or local port information service appropriate to the port, in consultation with stakeholders. 
  2. circulate procedures for the operation of a vessel traffic service or local port information service to affected stakeholders

  3. implement a vessel traffic service or local port information service appropriate to the port that takes account of 

    1. local context 
    2. international and national regulations, guidance and codes

  4. review procedures and rules for the operation of a vessel traffic service or local port information service periodically and in light of new information

  5. manage the potential risk posed by dangerous and polluting substances and dangerous vessels
  6. provide appropriate vessel traffic service information and support to statutory agencies

Knowledge and Understanding

You need to know and understand:

  1. international and national regulations; local legislation codes of practice, standards, frameworks and industry guidance
  2. the purpose, typical functioning principles, benefits and constraints of Vessel Traffic Services and Local Port Information Services 
  3. international and national regulations, guidance and codes relating to vessel traffic services and navigation
  4. the nature, purpose, powers and working practices of statutory and other organisations that may be concerned with vessel traffic services
  5. the nature of the interaction between the port and statutory or other organisations, including the extent of the port’s obligation to cooperate on vessel traffic service matters    
  6. the types, benefits and constraints of vessel traffic service equipment presently available 
  7. the extent and features of the physical environment for which the harbour master has responsibility and authority
  8. the typical principles, content and format of vessel traffic services procedures and how to write them
  9. the local and statutory powers that may be delegated to vessel traffic services personnel including the issuing of Special Directions

  10. how a vessel traffic service is typically administered including the procedures required for:

    1. information service (INS)
    2. traffic organisation service (TOS)
    3. navigational assistance service (NAS)
    4. operational procedures (including emergency and pre-arrival)
    5. duties and responsibilities
    6. rosters, working hours and rest periods
    7. communication arrangements, information broadcasts and reports
    8. assessment and re-assessment of competence

Scope/range

Scope Performance

Scope Knowledge

Values

Behaviours

Skills

Glossary

Links To Other NOS

​PSS HM108

External Links

Version Number

3

Indicative Review Date

31 Jul 2025

Validity

Current

Status

Original

Originating Organisation

Port Skills and Safety

Original URN

PSS HM109

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 services, risk assessment, port vessel traffic, local port services, navigational safety, dangerous substances, pollution, assistant harbour