Vessel Traffic Service

Vessel Traffic Service

Koper VTS, which operates under the Slovenian Maritime Administration, provides services to ensure the safety of navigation, the efficiency of maritime traffic, and the protection of the marine environment in Slovenian inland waters and territorial waters.

In compliance with IMO Resolution A.1158(32) (link to the resolution document) and IALA standards, Koper VTS monitors and manages maritime traffic within the Slovenian inland waters and territorial waters.

VTS Operations and Objectives

Koper VTS provides a continuous service to ensure that all participating vessels can safely navigate within the area of responsibility of the VTS. Our operations include:

• Provision of information: Delivering timely and relevant information to support the onboard decision-making process. This includes traffic data, weather conditions, status of aids to navigation, and maritime safety information (MSI).
• Monitoring and management of ship traffic: Organising and monitoring traffic flow to prevent congestion and dangerous situations. This includes the management of the Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS), coordination of traffic flow in relation to vessel arrivals and departures schedule, and oversight of anchoring areas.
• Response to developing unsafe situations: Providing guidance, recommendations or navigational assistance to vessels, particularly in cases of equipment failure, poor visibility, or upon request, to prevent groundings or collisions.

 Key Information for Mariners

• VTS Area: Inland waters and territorial waters of the Republic of Slovenia.
• Participation: Mandatory for all vessels of 300 GT and upwards and fishing vessels, traditional ships and recreational crafts with length of 45 meters and upwards.
• Communication:
  • Call ID: Koper VTS
  • Primary VHF Channel: 69
  • Backup VHF Channel: 72
  • Broadcast of MSI on VHF Channel: 07
  • Language: English (using IMO Standard Marine Communication Phrases - SMCP) or Slovenian.
• Reporting: Vessels must establish contact with Koper VTS one hour before entering the VTS area. Throughout the transit and while navigating or at anchor within the area, vessels are required to maintain a continuous listening watch on VHF Channel 69.

 Master’s Responsibility

The responsibility for the safe navigation and operation of the vessel always remains with the Master. Any instruction issued by VTS does not relieve the Master or the Pilot of their duties.

Contacts:

• Telephone (24H): +386 5 66 32 106 / 107
• Email: kp.promet@gov.si