200374 The Role of VTS

The Role of VTS
MARS Report 200374

I am a Chief Officer on a LPG vessel and have been following the MARS reports for many years and note that similar incidents keep taking place. At around 0430, the LPG was in ballast and was safely transiting the Malacca Straits near the Precautionary Area off Tanjung Ru (in the vicinity of Port Kelang Pilot Station). We were in sector 2 of Kelang VTS, steering 297(T), speed 15.5 knots. Container vessel 'A' was on a reciprocal course in the lane on our port side. We had overtaken a few vessels and were just 1.5 miles ahead of them.

I suddenly saw the green light of vessel 'A' and the ARPA was showing CPA zero and TCPA 15 minutes. On our starboard side (5 miles) were a few vessels anchored. I gave the required sound and light signals, informed the Master and the Engine Room. However, seeing the other vessel come closer and not taking any action, I turned hard to starboard, bearing in mind the other vessels I had overtaken. After an alteration of 90 degrees I noticed the vessel 'A' had already altered to port for a full circle manoeuvre. I decided to alter back to port and came back quickly to our original course. Within minutes the situation was under control in our lane. However, I could see a lot of confusion in the other lane but nothing serious happened.

Some questions occurred to me:

1. As he was already on manoeuvring speed, why didn't the Master of vessel 'A' wait for us and the vessels astern of us to pass and then safely proceed to the Pilot Station
2. With all this happening, there was not a word spoken by the VTS. Having full knowledge of where each vessel was bound, they never cautioned either of us about our intentions. I was taught that the primary aim of a VTS was safety of navigation.
3. On our east bound voyage (vessel now fully loaded), the same Kelang VTS had asked us to chase a vessel which they thought was hijacked and to go about 0.5nm and read out the name of the vessel!!!