Guidance

VTS certification: operators, supervisors and instructors.

Forms and guidance for initial application and revalidation for Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) operator logbooks and supervisor or instructor endorsements.

Overview

VTS Operators, Supervisors and Instructors must have relevant VTS certification to be qualified to international standards. This application is for any of the following VTS certificates:

  • Operator logbook (V103/1)
  • Supervisor endorsement (V103/2)
  • Instructor endorsement (V103/4)
  • revalidation

How to apply

Complete application form MSF 4807 for Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) operator logbook, supervisor, instructor endorsements and revalidations.

You’ll find full guidance notes on the application form.

Further information is available in the MGN 434 as amended, Navigation: Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) – Training and Certification of VTS personnel

Initial operator logbook applications

Submit the following original documents with your application:

  • VTS induction certificate
  • VTS operator course certificate
  • Radio certification (GoC/ RoC/ LRC/VHF VTS)
  • Radar / ARPA course certificate
  • Letter from employer confirming medical fitness and English language ability (eg IELTS level 7)
  • 2 passport size photos (attested)

Depending on your qualifications you must also send either of the following:

  • Certificate of Nautical Knowledge (for applicants without marine qualifications)
  • Deck officer Certificate of Competency or acceptable equivalent (for applicants with marine qualifications)

Supervisor/Instructor endorsement applications

Submit the following original documents with your application:

  • Original documentary evidence of successful completion of an MCA approved VTS Supervisor/Instructor course
  • Original VTS certificate logbook
  • Letter from employer confirming continuous service and medical fitness

Revalidation applications

If you want to serve at a VTS centre you must revalidate your VTS certification logbook inside 5 year intervals.

Submit the following original documents with your application:

  • VTS logbook
  • written confirmation from the VTS authority of continuous service as a VTS operator
  • evidence of approved refresher or supervisor training at an accredited MCA training institute (or acceptable equivalent conducted by VTS authority)
  • evidence of medical fitness issued by VTS authority

All applicants

Post your application, supporting documents and fee to MCA:

Seafarer Training and Certification Branch
Maritime and Coastguard Agency
Spring Place
105 Commercial Road
Southampton
SO15 1EG

MCA does not accept email or fax applications

MCA aims to process your application within 28 days of receipt. You’ll receive an email:

  • when your application has been received
  • if any further information/evidence is needed
  • when your certificate(s) and documents are being couriered back to you

Contact the Seafarer Training and Certification Branch at MCA if you’ve got any queries about your application:

Tel +44 (0) 23 8032 9231
Email: [email protected]

MCA doesn’t offer a counter service.

Updates to this page

Published 1 May 2014
Last updated 12 April 2018 + show all updates
  1. Updated to MGN 434 as amended.

  2. First published.

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