VTS courses

The Danish Maritime Authority (DMA) has authorized SIMAC Training to offer VTS courses at all levels. See below which Vessel Traffic Service courses we offer.

The Danish Maritime Authority has approved SIMAC Training to deliver VTS training at all levels.

See statement here:
VTS-Statement.

SIMAC Training is also approved by both the Danish national VTS authority, Royal Danish Navy Command, and the Swedish national competent VTS authority, Swedish Maritime Administration, to deliver the VTS Basic Operator Course (V103/1).

SIMAC Training offers the IALA Model Courses listed below. In addition, SIMAC Training provides support for V103/3 On-the-Job Training (OJT), refresher courses for VTS Operators (VTSOs), refresher training days, and consultancy services covering all aspects of VTS operations and training.

Course Availability

Courses are offered on request only.

You are welcome to contact SIMAC Training if you would like to discuss the possibility of a customized training programme tailored to your specific requirements within the VTS field.

VTS Courses

V 103/1 - Basic Operators Course

Purpose and Course Content:

The course is based on the requirements and criteria set out in IALA Recommendation R0103 (V103). It is the fundamental training course for VTS Operators. Upon successful completion of the course, participants will be qualified to apply for employment at a Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) Centre.

Participants who are already employed at a VTS Centre may proceed to on-the-job training following successful completion of the course.

The course combines theoretical instruction with simulator-based exercises and is conducted in accordance with IALA Model Course V103-1.

Entry Requirements/Target Group:

The course is intended for individuals seeking employment as VTS Operators or who are already employed in a VTS role.

Participants must have passed the examination for Master Mariner and are expected to have seagoing experience as a navigation officer.

Applicants must submit copies of the following documents:

• Certificate of Competency as Master Mariner or Dual Officer

• Certificate of Competency (Seafarer’s Certificate)

• Valid ROC or GOC Certificate

Duration:

4 days

Notes:

References:

• IALA Recommendation R0103 (V103) – Standards for Training and Certification of VTS Personnel

• IALA Model Course V103-1 – Vessel Traffic Services Operator Training

V 103/4 - On-the-Job Training Instructor

Purpose and Course Content:

The course provides participants with knowledge of the planning, delivery, and evaluation of on-the-job training (OJT) within a Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) Centre. Upon completion of the course, participants will have acquired the qualifications required to act as an On-the-Job Training Instructor (OJTI) for VTS Operators during local training programmes and to contribute effectively to the development and improvement of training programmes and procedures at their VTS Centre.

The course is delivered using a dialogue-based teaching approach with a focus on adult learning, learning styles, instructional planning, assessment, and follow-up. Participants work with practical case studies and methods that can be applied directly within their local training environment.

The course covers the following topics:

• Purpose and structure of on-the-job training in VTS

• Development of training programmes and lesson plans

• Introduction to relevant IALA materials and information sources

• Adult learning and motivation

• Learning styles and selection of teaching methods

• Adapting instruction to individual trainee needs

• Conducting practical training and instruction

• Observation and evaluation of learning outcomes

• Individual and team-based learning

• Facilitation of assessment and feedback

• Documentation of trainee progress

• Maintenance and further development of competencies as a VTS Operator and OJTI

• Contributing to the development of local OJT programmes

Entry Requirements/Target Group:

The course is intended for VTS personnel designated by their VTS Centre or relevant VTS authority to perform the role of OJTI.

Participants must hold a C0103-1 / V-103-1 Certificate.

Duration:

3 days

Notes:

The course is based on IALA Model Course C0103-4 and covers the requirements of IALA Recommendation R0103. It also fulfills the requirements specified in IMO Resolution A.857(20).

The course may be delivered either as classroom-based training or online. Preparation and independent study are required, and participants are expected to familiarize themselves with the core literature before the course begins.

The course is assessed through continuous evaluation. Successful completion requires active participation and documented achievement of the course objectives and learning outcomes.

V 103/5 - Revalidation Process (Recurrent)

Purpose and Course Content:

The course provides participants with the opportunity to maintain and further develop the competencies acquired through initial training and operational service as a VTS Operator. Upon completion of the course, participants will have updated qualifications enabling them to manage both routine and complex traffic situations, apply effective communication techniques, and operate in accordance with current procedures and regulatory requirements.

The course is based on recurrent training principles, combining proficiency checks with continued professional development (CPD). Training includes both theoretical updates and practical simulator exercises, as well as individual assessment.

The course covers the following topics:

• Updates on international and national regulations and requirements

• Updates on procedures and operational requirements

• Communication in VTS, including the correct use of English

• Standard Marine Communication Phrases (SMCP)

• Use of message markers

• Construction of clear and unambiguous messages

• Identification, analysis, and monitoring of vessel traffic

• Traffic prioritization within and adjacent to the VTS area

• Identification of unsafe traffic patterns

• Management of complex operational situations

• Watch handover and sector handover procedures

• Practical VTS watchkeeping in a simulated environment

• Individual competency assessment and oral examination

• Focus on continued professional development and proficiency checks

Entry Requirements/Target Group:

The course is intended for qualified VTS Operators employed by a VTS Centre or relevant VTS authority.

Duration:

2.5 days

Notes:

The course is based on IALA Model Course C0103-5, with recurrent training as its primary focus, and includes references to C0103-1. The course covers the requirements of IALA Recommendation R0103 and fulfills the requirements specified in IMO Resolution A.857(20).

The specific course content is based on a structured training needs analysis conducted in cooperation with the relevant VTS authority, maritime administration, OJTIs, and SIMAC.

The course concludes with both continuous assessment and an externally conducted oral examination. To successfully complete the course, participants must pass both the practical simulator assessment and the oral examination. In addition, a minimum average score of 5 on the stanine scale is required in the continuous assessment.

If a participant does not meet the required competency level, a training needs analysis should be conducted to identify and implement an appropriate corrective training programme.

Open Courses