44
51 As this facility is dedicated to anti-smuggling operations and is fully controlled by customs, communications between the control centre and other outside organizations such as Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centres, Singapore VTIS, Coast Guard or ships at sea are not provided for (see also Chapter 6 Radiocommunications).
52
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A comprehensive radar and computer-based VTS covering the Singapore Strait Traffic Separation Scheme has been in operation since October 1990. The system is operated by the Port of Singapore Authority and is known as the Vessel Traffic Information Service (VTIS).
53
The objectives of the VTIS are to:
.1
improve safety of navigation in the Singapore Strait;
.2
facilitate the safe flow of shipping in and out of the Port of Singapore; and
.3
provide navigational information to vessels using the Singapore Strait.
54
The Group visited the VTIS for a first-hand overview of the operations and spoke to operators and supervisors.
55
The Singapore VTIS is a modern well-equipped service operated in accordance with IMO recommendations. The centre has five multi-tracking radars, VHF-DF facilities to identify targets, database of vessel particulars and operates on VHF Channels 10 (Primary Channel), 73 (Secondary) and 12, 21 and 22 for port operations.
56
All vessels and tows of 300 gross tons or more and all passenger vessels intending to enter or depart from the Port of Singapore are required to participate in the VTIS. Vessels transiting the Singapore Strait are encouraged to do so.
57
There are two operators (East and West) dedicated to communications with shipping in the TSS of the Singapore Strait. (There is an additional console available and the Group was informed that this could be utilized if required). With over 200 vessels arriving in the Port of Singapore each day and each vessel required to transmit a lengthy confirmation of arrival report on VHF Channel 10, both of these operators are fully utilized and VHF Channel 10 is congested with various messages.
58 It has been reliably estimated (and this was confirmed by monitoring of radar displays in the VTIS), that only 20% to 30% of through traffic in the Singapore Strait participate in the VTIS.
59 Part of the reason for this low compliance rate may be the amount of traffic on VHF Channel 10 and the workload of the operators.
60 The Group considered that the Singapore VTIS contributes significantly to the safety of navigation in the Singapore Strait and was concerned at the low participation rate by through traffic.
W/9181e