National Ports Act, 2005 (Act No. 12 of 2005)RulesPorts RulesChapter 2 : Vessel Movements and Related MattersPart B : The Regulation and Control of Navigation in the Approaches to a Port12. Traffic clearance and communication with VTS |
| (1) | Subject to sub-rules (4) and (6), no vessel may — |
| (a) | enter, leave or proceed within a VTS zone without having previously obtained a traffic clearance as envisaged by rule 10(a); or |
| (b) | proceed within a VTS zone unless able to maintain direct communication with the ports VTS in accordance with sub-rule (2)(b). |
| (2) | The master of a vessel must ensure that — |
| (a) | before the vessel enters a VTS zone, its radio equipment is capable of receiving and transmitting radio communications on the channel and radio frequency published by the South African Navy Hydrographic Office or other recognised international hydrographic publications; and |
| (b) | where the vessel is in a VTS zone, a continuous listening watch is maintained on the channel and radio frequency referred to in sub-rule (2)(a) on the radio equipment located — |
| (i) | at any place on the vessel, when the vessels at anchor or moored to a buoy; and |
| (ii) | in the vicinity of the vessel's conning position, when the vessel is under way. |
| (3) | The listening watch to the port's VTS referred to in sub-rule (2) may be suspended if the VTS directs the vessel to communicate with coast stations and other vessels on a different channel and radio frequency. |
| (4) | The mastered a vessel may proceed on his or her route, if the vessel, for any reason other than the failure of shipboard radio equipment — |
| (a) | is unable to obtain a clearance required by sub-rule (1)(a) by reason of inability to establish direct communication with the VTS; or |
| (b) | after receiving a clearance, is unable to maintain direct communication with the VTS. |
| (5) | The master of the vessel referred to in sub-rule (4) must take all reasonable measures to communicate with the VTS as soon as possible. |
| (6) | The master of a vessel may not proceed on his or her route, if the vessel, due to the failure of shipboard radio equipment — |
| (a) | is unable to obtain a clearance required by sub-rule (1)(a) by reason of inability to establish direct communication with the VTS); or |
| (b) | after receiving a clearance, is unable to maintain direct communication with the VTS. |
| (7) | The master of the vessel referred to in sub-rule (6) must take all reasonable measures to repair the radio equipment, broadcast the position of the vessel'and report the occurrence to the VTS as soon as possible |