What type of information is necessary for VTS (Vessel Traffic Service)?

The correct choice is based on the critical role that Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) plays in enhancing safety and efficiency in navigable waters. VTS is responsible for monitoring and managing vessel movements to prevent collisions, groundings, and other maritime incidents. To effectively perform these duties, it relies heavily on specific information regarding vessel movements and cargo details.

Vessel movements are essential as they allow VTS operators to track the position, speed, and direction of vessels in real-time, which aids in coordinating traffic and providing navigational assistance. Additionally, knowing the type of cargo helps assess risks associated with hazardous materials and ensures compliance with regulations regarding the transport of such goods.

Other types of information listed, while valuable in maritime operations, do not encompass the primary focus of VTS. Weather patterns and tide schedules can influence navigation but are not the core operational data that VTS primarily monitors. Fishing zones and prohibited areas are important for managing environmental concerns and resource protection but do not pertain directly to vessel traffic management. Speed limits and fuel consumption data may impact operational efficiency, yet they are more associated with vessel performance rather than direct traffic management activities handled by VTS. Thus, the emphasis on vessel movements and cargo information distinctly aligns with the primary function of Vessel Traffic Service