Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) to ensure safety of maritime transportation: studies of potentials in Sunda Strait

Abstract Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) are well established all over the globe. They become increasingly important in contributing to safety, the efficiency of maritime traffic and the protection of the marine environment. The Sunda Strait with a high traffic density in its coastal waters, serving national and international shipping, including crossing passage of the national heaviest ferry traffic, is one of the major safety concerns in Indonesia. Moreover, four accidents of ships’ collision, grounding, and fire on board have been recorded in the area from 2011-2019 as officially reported by the national safety committee (KNKT). At the same time, VTS provides valuable services to mariners. The implementation of operational standards that comply with international rules and regulations, such as IMO Resolution A.857(20), and IALA Guideline 1111, should be further developed to benefit from the broader set of VTS function. A basic marine engineering study has been done to investigate the roles of Merak VTS implemented at Sunda Strait. Spotlight empirical studies were used to collect primary qualitative data and analysis of secondary data concerning the aspects of human element, the technical and administrative work. The study revealed that the Merak VTS contributes to traffic safety and in combination with the new routeing and the mandatory ship reporting systems. Optimized procedures, advanced equipment, and well-trained VTS staff have the potentials to further improve and optimize the operation of Merak VTS.