IMSML Website Article 21/2025: MSN 05/2024 - Announcement of Qualifications and Need for Training for Ships Traffic Services

Malaysian Shipping Notice (MSN) 05/2024 is the national application of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Resolution A.1158(32) which provides that the ‘vessel traffic services’ (VTS) provider should ensure that such personnel are adequately staffed, as well as appropriately trained and qualified’, see Paragraph 1. MSN 05/2024 was issued by the Director General of Marine on 1 October 2024.

What are the requirements for competently trained and qualified VTS personnel? Paragraph 2 stipulates that VTS personnel should have the following:

[1] Satisfactorily completed generic VTS training based on IALA C0103 model course approved by IMO or the relevant competent authority;

[2] Completion of C0103-3 On-The-Job Training at the VTS where the personnel is employed;

[3] Subjected to periodic assessments and re-validation training to ensure maintenance of competency;

[4] Having the appropriate certification.

What are the two ways to satisfy the qualification and training requirements for VTS personnel in Malaysia, in order to be permitted to carry out VTS duties? Paragraph 3 identifies two options:

Option [1]

[a] Hold a C0103-1 VTS operator certificate by an accredited training organisation;

[b] Completion of C0103-3 On-the-Job Training (OJT) at the VtS Centre where the person works.

Option [2]

[a] Pending the completion of a C0103-1 VTS Operator course, such personnel should in training must have satisfactorily completed OJT at the VTS Centre where that person works;

[b] The person in training operates under the supervision of VTS personnel who hold a C0103-1 certificate awarded by an accredited organization (eg IMO or The Marine Department Malaysia).

What does On-the Job Training and familiarization at the VTS Centre where the individual works entail? According to Paragraph 3, it includes the following:

[1] Training on VTS objectives;

[2] Training on VTS procedures;

[3] Facilities and equipment used under the VTS system;

[4] Local geographical factors;

[5] Relevant regulations.

Who conducts the OJT assessment? It is conducted by a qualified individual with experience and holding either:

[1] A IV Certification in Training and Assessment;

[2] IALA C0103-4 Certification for VTS On-The-Job Training (OJT) Instructor.

What pre-condition must be satisfied before being considered competent to act as a VTS Operator? According Paragraph 4, VTS Operators shall obtain:

[1] A C0103-1 VTS Operator certificate, AND …

[2] An appropriate C0103-3 On-the-Job Training endorsement endorsement in a VTS Certification logbook.

What additional qualification does a VTS supervisor require? A C0103-2 VTS Supervisor Certificate, see Paragraph 4.

Thank you for reading IMSML Website Article 21/2025

Stay tuned for the next IMSML Website Article 22/2025: MSN 08/2024 - Notification of 2022 Amendments to the Maritime Labour Convention 2006

Signing-off for today,

Dr Irwin Ooi Ui Joo, LL.B(Hons.)(Glamorgan); LL.M (Cardiff); Ph.D (Cardiff); CMILT

Professor of Maritime and Transport Law

Head of the Centre for Advocacy and Dispute Resolution

Faculty of Law

Universiti Teknologi MARA Shah Alam

Selangor, Malaysia

Tuesday,  27 May 2025

Note that I am the corresponding author for the IMSML Website Articles. My official email address is: uijoo310@uitm.edu.my