About the jobCompany Description
National Technology Centre for Ports, Waterways & Coasts (NTCPWC) is the technology arm of the Ministry of Shipping, Government of India, providing innovative and indigenous solutions for the port and maritime sector. Based in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, NTCPWC focuses on applied research, education, and technology transfer to address industry challenges while promoting advancements in maritime technology.
Role Description
This is a full-time, on-site role for a VTS Operator located in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. The candidate will be responsible for monitoring and managing vessel traffic within the designated port and approaches, maintaining situational awareness, communicating with vessels and relevant stakeholders, and supporting the safe and efficient movement of maritime traffic.
The role requires a strong understanding of ship operations, navigation, maritime communication, and vessel traffic management. The candidate will work with VTS systems, radar, AIS, VHF communication, electronic charts, and other navigational and surveillance systems to monitor vessel movements and support safe navigation within Chennai Port.
Position: VTS Operator
Engagement Type: Full-time
Location: Chennai Port
Key Responsibilities
- Monitor and manage vessel traffic movements within the designated VTS area
- Maintain continuous situational awareness of vessels, traffic conditions, and navigational hazards
- Monitor vessel movements using Radar, AIS, VHF, ECDIS, CCTV, and other VTS equipment
- Communicate with vessels, pilots, port authorities, and other relevant maritime stakeholders
- Provide relevant traffic information,
navigational information, and safety-related communication to vessels
- Monitor vessel arrivals, departures, anchorage movements, berthing, and passage through designated areas
- Identify potential traffic conflicts, navigational risks, and abnormal vessel movements
- Support safe and efficient vessel traffic management in accordance with applicable procedures
- Monitor and report incidents, emergencies, restricted visibility, adverse weather, and other navigational conditions
- Maintain accurate records and logs of vessel movements, communications, incidents, and operational activities
- Coordinate with Port Control, pilots, terminal operators, harbour authorities, and other stakeholders as required
- Operate and monitor VTS equipment and report system faults or technical issues
- Follow established VTS procedures, operational guidelines, and maritime safety requirements
- Support emergency response and coordination during vessel-related incidents
- Maintain professional and clear VHF radio communication with vessels and maritime stakeholders
- Ensure proper handover of operational information between shifts
- Participate in training, drills, assessments, and continuous competency development as required
Qualifications & Skills
- Second Mate Certificate of Competency (CoC) – Mandatory
- Minimum 24 months of sailing experience – Mandatory
- Relevant experience as a Deck Officer / Navigational Officer is preferred
- Valid and applicable STCW certification and mandatory maritime training certificates
- Experience in vessel navigation, bridge operations, and maritime communication
- Strong knowledge of COLREGs, SOLAS, and basic navigation principles
- Familiarity with Radar, AIS, ECDIS, GPS, VHF, and other navigational systems
- Understanding of vessel traffic management and port operations
- Knowledge of Chennai Port approaches, harbour layout, navigational channels, anchorage areas, and local operating procedures is preferred
- Experience or training in Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) is an added advantage
- Ability to monitor multiple vessels and maintain robust situational awareness in a dynamic operating environment
- Good understanding of marine weather, tides, currents, and navigational hazards
- Strong VHF communication and maritime communication skills
- Ability to respond calmly and effectively during emergencies and high-traffic situations
- Good decision-making, observation, and problem-solving skills
- Good written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to maintain accurate operational records and documentation
- Physically and medically fit as per applicable maritime requirements
How to ApplyInterested candidates may submit their resume and relevant documents for consideration via email:
[email protected]
📌 VTS Operator - Chennai Port (Kanchipuram)
🏢 National Technology Centre for Ports, Waterways and Coasts (NTCPWC)
📍 Kanchipuram