Federal Regulation converting Vessel Traffic Service Houston/Galveston from a voluntary to a mandatory system became effective on October 13, 1994. The regulations are published in 59 Federal Register 135, pages 36316-36. Certain provisions of these regulations have been temporarily waived by Commander, Eighth Coast Guard District, so that permanent exemptions for the VTS Houston/ Galveston area may be considered. This user manual describes the rules that apply during the period of the temporary waiver. This manual should not be used after: September 30, 1997.

Vessel requirements fall into categories: Communicating Safety Information and Participating in the Vessel Movement Reporting system.

REQUIREMENT #1: COMMUNICATE SAFETY INFORMATION

REQUIRED FOR:
-Power driven vessels greater than 65 feet
-Vessels greater than 26 feet engaged in towing
-Vessels certified to carry 50 or more passengers

REQUIRED ACTION:
-Notify VTS Promptly of marine casualties, rammings, pollution, aids to navigation discrepancies, hazardous channel conditions, improper operating vessel equipment, and hazardous vessel operating conditions.
-Respond promptly when hailed by VTS, communicating in the English language.

REQUIREMENT #2: PARTICIPATE IN VESSEL MOVEMENT REPORTING SYSTEM

REQUIRED FOR:
-Power driven vessels greater than 131 feet
-Vessels greater than 26 feet engaged in towing
-Vessels certified to carry 50 or more passengers

REQUIRED REPORTS:

Sailing Plan (Prior to getting underway or entering the VTS area)
-Vessel name and type
-Pilot ID number
-Position
-Destination
-Tow configuration
-Vessel size (length, beam, draft)
-Anticipated speed over ground
-Dangerous cargo; For inland tank barges, the regulator requirements found at 33CFR160.211(b) and 213(b) which require information and notice of arrivals and departure, are waived when the specific information regarding the name, amount, and exact location of each certain dangerous cargo carried on board the barge is readily available ashore, 24 hours a day.

Position Report
- Vessel name and position at designated reporting points (See diagram on facing page).
- When directed by Vessel Traffic Center

Sailing Plan Deviation Report
- When ETA to a destination changes significantly
- Intention to deviate from VTS measure or vessel traffic routing system
- Significant deviation from previous report

Final Report
-Arrival at destination or departing VTS area

(Required participants must also carry a copy of the complete VTS regulation, which are reprinted in Coast Pilot 5. Copies are also available on request from VTS.)

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