PTMS changes to new VTS system for Korean ports

The Port Traffic Management Service (PTMS ), in operation at 14 ports since it was first introduced in 1999, has been changed to the Vessel Traffic Service (VTS). For this, the bounds of controlling districts and number of target vessels will expand greatly.
MOMAF (Ministry of Maritime Affairs & Fisheries) announced August 2 that it directed a management rule for marine traffic controllers to 12 regional maritime & fisheries offices. The rule changes the existing PTMS to VTS.
MOMAF set up PTMS at 14 ports nation-wide, including Pusan Port and Inchon Port, for safe navigation and effective port operation in 1999 and has continued with the service since then. Now the service is being changed to VTS to expand the bounds of controlling districts and the number of target vessels.
MOMAF will control step-by-step including tracing observations, support, information services, giving advice and directing corrections for safe vessel sailings. It will also operate advance controls such as danger alerts, information service improvements, and more. MOMAF expects that the new service will prevent vessel accidents, strengthen the safety system for property and increase port competitiveness.
Each regional office will now control the service more effectively because they will enforce their own operational details and standards after 5 years of operating under PTMS.
Meanwhile, MOMAF asked that each regional office help to prevent accidents and promote oceanic health using the new system. Also it requested that they actively take part in traffic controlling.
The ministry announced that it would preserve traffic safety and order by offering real time services and sailing information to port customers and sailors.