St Helier Vessel Traffic Service

St Helier Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) is responsible for the safe movement of all commercial shipping within its controlled waters.

VTS provides a regulatory service to Ports of Jersey, monitoring and managing commercial vessel movements within the port and surrounding waters. VTS also monitors pleasure craft and their compliance to regulations within the port and surrounding waters, and provides them with guidance and information.

VTS limits

Vessels over 25 metres in length or a vessel engaged in towage must report on entering/leaving the VTS area and at the designated Reporting Points. Vessels other than reporting vessels are not required to report to St Helier VTS except in an emergency or when required by the Harbour Master.

For further details can be found in General Directions.

General Direction 6: St Helier VTS – Participation, reporting and VTS area

Contacting St Helier VTS

VTS maintains a constant watch on VHF 14 and may be contacted by telephone on +44 (0) 1534 447722.

IALA traffic lights and radio frequencies

The management of traffic within the port is controlled using the IALA traffic control lights located at the Victoria pier heads below the VTS tower.

Traffic through the area has to be strictly controlled to allow for safe movement of commercial and pleasure craft, especially at peak shipping times.

Local and visiting craft are advised to keep a listening watch on VHF channel 14 when approaching St Helier and when manoeuvring within the port. Channel M (VHF marina frequency) is not used in St Helier.

Light signal	Light status	Meaning	Additional information
	Fixed	Stop	Do not enter
	Fixed	Go	Clear to enter
	Fixed	Go	Two way traffic
	Flashing	Serious emergency	All vessels to stop. Await instructions.

Speed limits

A 5 knot speed limit is in place within the harbour and entrance. It is imperative that all craft adhere to this speed limit at all times. This is monitored by St Helier VTS.