Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) Digital Broadcasting.

The progress towards the introduction of electronic navigation equipment aboard the bridges of vessels that are required by law to participate in U.S. Coast Guard USOG operated vessel traffic services VTSs presents an opportunity to introduce cost saving automation into the operation of the vessel traffic service itself. This report points out the need to either identify or develop the appropriate processes, standards, and methods needed to link the vessel traffic service data base with shipboard navigation systems. The necessary developmental steps are identified by applying the International Standards Organization Open Systems Interconnection Reference Model to the broadcast of digital marine navigation safety information. This is information contained in modern vessel traffic service computers. This report presents a breakdown of an approach that can be used to establish a proof-of-concept marine safety broadcast. This proof-of-concept system can be used to demonstrate and evaluate the concept. This report also raises issues concerning the potential shift in workload to marine pilots and resulting compromise in overall port security represented by this approach.