Vessel Traffic Services

Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) Humber, which is located at Spurn Point, operates a 24-hour service for all river users. Its major function is to monitor and regulate navigation of those parts of the Humber Estuary and Rivers Ouse and Trent within the jurisdiction of the Harbour Master, Humber.

VTS collates and disseminates information to all river users and acts as a link between the vessels and those concerned with their movements within the estuary and the ports connected with the Humber Estuary, in particular, the requirements of the various dockmasters, wharf operators and shipping agents.

VTS maintains a watching brief on all aspects of the estuary. These include works in progress at wharves, construction of pipe-lines, dredging operations, survey works and bunkering operations between vessels, particularly those which necessitate the promulgation of Harbour Master's Notice to Mariners which include shoal water and movement of floating marks.

"River Broadcasts" are promulgated by VTS on VHF Channels 12, 14 and 15 every two hours and contain information on weather for the river and sea approaches, tidal readings for all parts of the estuary and the Rivers Ouse and Trent, and other important navigational information.