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OVERVIEW

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.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

All candidates must hold the following:

  1. English language certification to the equivalent of IELTS level 5.0 (where English is not the candidates first language)
  2. Recognised radio qualification: VTS VHF or GMDSS ROC or GMDSS GOC
  3. VTS Nautical knowledge certificate (IALA C0103-1 module 4) or a recognised Certificate of Competency (CoC), see MIN 692 for the list of recognised CoCs.

For candidates who do not hold a qualification listed in ‘3’ but hold other relevant nautical qualifications/experience it may be possible to obtain full or partial Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) or Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) as per MIN 692. This requires carrying out a mapping/gap analysis for the individual candidate. Pleas contact marine booking with full details of your appropriate qualifications if this is something you wish to be considered for.

Further guidance can be found at:

MIN 692 (M+F) Navigation: vessel traffic services (VTS) – accreditation of prior learning – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

MGN 434 (M+F) Amendment 2: Navigation: vessel traffic services (VTS) – training and certification of VTS personnel – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

DOWNLOADS

VTS Underpinning Knowledge Joining Instructions

How to Find Us

DATES & FEES

9th – 13th February 2026

19+ Full Cost: £1935*

1st – 5th June 2026

19+ Full Cost: £1935*

 

*Fee for non-UK residents 

Whilst we make every effort to ensure that all information relating to courses and fees is correct on the website, it is always advisable to call our Student Services team to check the current situation with regards to fees and funding. 

 

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