Vessel traffic service operator
Vessel traffic service operator (VTS) operators monitor vessel traffic in coastal areas and Saimaa, maintain a real-time traffic situational picture, and provide vessels with information on factors affecting traffic. VTS operators work at the Vessel Traffic Service Centre. The work requires a long-term approach, the ability to respond quickly in unexpected situations, language skills, and the ability to communicate clearly.
Vessel Traffic Service Centres.
The VTS operator’s profession requires a long-term approach, but also the readiness to react quickly and efficiently to unexpected situations. The VTS operator must have strong multitasking capacity, i.e. the ability to process and combine information from different sources. In addition, they must be able to perform several tasks simultaneously.
A VTS operator must be able to interpret the situational picture produced by radar and the Automatic Identification System (AIS), including vessel movements and their positions in relation to other vessels and the fairway. If necessary, the VTS operator organises traffic which requires the ability to think systematically and logically.
Information provision is an essential part of the VTS operator’s role, therefore, the position requires the ability to communicate in Finnish, Swedish, and English. VTS operators must adapt to two-shift work.
- guidance, navigation and control
VTS operator training is organised as necessary. On-the-job training takes place at the VTS Centre under the direction of a workplace instructor. After passing the on-the-job training period, a person is issued with a certificate that indicates that they are competent to perform VTS operator duties independently in the area in question.
VTS operators must hold a valid VTS operator certificate issued by the Finnish Transport and Communications Agency (Traficom). A certificate of competency may be issued to a person who holds at least an Officer of the Watch Certificate of Competency and who has completed six months of sea service in the deck department. However, a significant number of VTS operators have also served as masters of vessels.
In addition, the applicant must have successfully completed the basic VTS operator training to obtain a VTS operator certificate. The VTS operator shall also have the necessary command of Finnish, Swedish, and English.
Median salary
6002 €/mo
The data is based on the median income, meaning the amount of salary which is the middle of the salary amounts arranged in order of magnitude.
Source: Statistics Finland's structural statistics on wages and salaries
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