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Port Vessel Traffic Services

Overview

Orkney Harbour Authority operates a 24hr port VTS Information Service from its operations room at Scapa for vessels navigating in Scapa Flow and Kirkwall Bay / Shapinsay Sound areas.

A continuous watch is maintained on VHF channel 16 and 11. The call sign is "ORKNEY VTS". The normal working channel is 11. The operations room can also be contacted as follows:

• Tel: +44 (0)1856 873636
• Fax: +44 (0)1856 873012
• Email: marine.ops@orkney.gov.uk

The service provides information on all aspects of port operations including pilotage, traffic movements, navigation warnings, weather forecasts and berth availability. Orkney VTS broadcasts regular local weather forecasts and navigational warnings at 0915 and 1715 (with updates as required) on VHF channel 20.

The working VHF channels for individual piers and harbours within the harbour authority area are:

• Kirkwall Harbour Radio VHF channel 14.
• Stromness Harbour Radio VHF channel 14.

Reporting Procedure

Compliance

Any vessels of 12m LOA and over or certified to carry more than 12 passenger when navigating within the VTS Area.

Inward / Outward Bound Vessels

Pre-arrival / departure reporting requirements as applicable, the following reports should be sent at least 24 hours before arrival at the harbour limits or on departure from previous port if less than 24 hours:

• Merchant Shipping (Traffic Monitoring and Reporting Requirements) Regulations 2004.
• International Ship and Port Facility Security Code.
• Merchant Shipping (Port Waste Reception Facilities) Regulations 2003.

Vessels must maintain a continuous listening watch on VHF channel 11 when navigating within the VTS area.

All vessels must report prior to leaving a berth or anchorage to Orkney VTS and provide:

1. Vessel name
2. Intentions
3. Route

Non-reporting vessels are encouraged to participate.

Reporting

Vessels reporting at reporting points must provide Orkney VTS with the following:

1. Vessel name
2. Position
3. Intentions
4. ETA berth

Reporting Points

Reporting vessels must report inward and outward to Orkney VTS on VHF channel 11 when passing or crossing the following reporting points and lines:

Point	Reference Point Name	Position
A	Orkney Harbour Authority Limits Shapinsay Sound	59°00.4 N 002°49.1 W
B	Orkney Harbour Authority Limits East of Swona	58°44.0 N 003°01.1 W
C	Orkney Harbour Authority Limits West of Swona	58°45.35 N 003°08.7 W
D	Orkney Harbour Authority Limits Hoy Sound	58°56.8 N 003°21.25 W
E	Orkney Harbour Authority Limits Wide Firth	59°02.0 N 002°57.3 W
F	Clestrain Sound	58°56.5 N 003°15.0 W
G	Hoxa Sound West of Nevi Skerry	58°50.7 N 003°03.3 W
H	Hoxa Sound East of Nevi Skerry	58°50.86 N 003°00.5 W

All times should be forwarded as local time using the 24hr notation. Strict radio discipline should be adhered to at all times. Orkney Islands Council accepts no liability for any loss or damage of any kind however caused, whether arising as a result of ill advice, negligence or otherwise or as a result of the non-availability of the service.