Vessel Traffic Services

Centre of Excellence

AMC Search is home to Australia's VTS training Centre of Excellence.

The VTS Centre of Excellence is equipped with world-class Wärtsilä simulation facilities that supports a highly realistic training environment for operations and management.

Training courses are AMSA accredited, they meet IALA Recommendations for VTS Training and are delivered in Launceston, on-location or online remotely. 

VTS Centre of Excellence

The AMC Search VTS Centre of Excellence focuses on delivering courses with contemporary maritime training methodologies coupled with both physical and cloud based Wärtsilä simulation capabilities.

It includes:

  • A full-scale, two position VTS Centre with standard tool set-up to support decision making
  • A visual view of the navigational situation of the VTS area
  • The latest Transas Navi-harbour Vessel Traffic Management System (VTMS) solution, and simulated activities are conducted in a generic port environment or developed to meet specific training objectives.

The VTS Centre of Excellence fully meets requirements for simulation as identified in the IALA Recommendations for VTS Training and supporting guidelines on the use of simulation training in VTS.

World First Online Remote VTS Training

AMC Search is the first training provider in the world to receive confirmation of accreditation by a national regulator to deliver real time VTS training remotely using cloud based online simulation technology. The educational approach 100% replicates physical classroom based learning using:

  • A full mission VTS simulator using Transas/Wärtsilä Naviharbour and NaviTrainer applications for full student control of the simulation stations
  • Applications for simulated VHF radio and telephone connection with the wider port team
  • A 'simulation time' application to support daylight and night time activities

Training is delivered in real time in agreed time zones and can be provided to meet localised requirements, recognising the shift-work nature of VTS. Watch the video for a demonstration of the training in action!

Specialist VTS Training Teaching Team

Jillian Carson-Jackson

Courses are coordinated by Jillian Carson-Jackson who has worked in the maritime industry for over three decades.

Jillian initiated the development of internationally agreed VTS training, which became the IALA V-103 Training Standard and is chairing the IALAVTS Committee Personnel and Training Working Group (WG3).

She is the current President of The Nautical Institute and a Director of GlobalMET.

Sanjiv Bhatia

With over 25 years’ experience at sea on all types of ships, Sanjiv is a passionate trainer in all forms of marine radiocommunications, including VTS and GMDSS.

He’s a specialist in teaching the use of Standard Marie Communication Phrases to support clear and unambiguous communications and enhance safety outcomes.

I attended AMC Search to complete Vessel Traffic Services Officer (VTSO) training and LOVED IT! The facilities are outstanding, the course delivery (content & pace) are brilliant and the teaching staff are world class.

Simone Ferrier

Questions about VTS?