Modern Security Measures

11.02.2002

Ten years ago at the Port of Gdansk a VTS security system was launched for operation. Mounted on top of the Harbour Master's Office, radars and monitors enabled tracing of the vessel traffic within the port's area. Two years later an identical system started to operate at the Port of Gdynia.

In terms of the maritime security the system proved to be a great advantage, however, it had a number of shortcomings. Not before long, therefore, it is likely to be replaced by a new system with upgraded quality and quantity features. As soon as the next month a modern VTS Gulf of Gdansk security system is to be commissioned for operation. The vessel traffic monitoring range comprises previously mentioned port's area serviced by the VTS systems further enforced by new equipment upgraded to cover the entire area of the Gulf of Gdansk.

- This is a significant contribution to the vessel traffic security system - says Wojciech Drozd, Chief Maritime Traffic Inspector at the Maritime Office in Gdynia. A decade in terms of the computer sciences means a whole new age hence the gap between the standards of the old system and the qualities of new equipment. Nevertheless, the previously monitored area included roadsteads and entries to the ports of Gdansk and Gdynia has been covered by the new VTS Gulf of Gdansk system.

The VTS Gulf of Gdansk system is a new generation of radar devices that enables monitoring of vessel traffic in the entire area of the Gulf of Gdansk with precise establishing of vessel parameters and a type of circumstances they encounter. The upgraded equipment also involves modern registration procedures with records of both visual images on screens and also conversations, which is of crucial importance in terms of the track records keeping and the documentation of particular events.

- The main task of the system is to prevent vessel accidents and environmental emergencies, as well as to provide assistance and life rescue services at sea - adds Wojciech Drozd. It also enables efficient co-operation with other services operating in the area.

The new system is scheduled for operation as of April this year, whereas in May it is to obtain an IMO certificate that will result in the system being the obligatory one in the Baltic Sea.