Improving the safety of navigation through Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) at Lagos port complex, Nigeria

This research work titled “Improving the Safety of Navigation through Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) at Lagos port complex, Nigeria”presents a comprehensive study of VTS at Lagos port.The study is aimed at evaluatingVTS equipment, facilities, installations and staffing deficits with a view of upgrade to IMO compliance.The aims also include delineation of Lagos port VTS area.Recommendations were also made.The Lagos port is a natural harbor and locatedon islandsseparated by creeks, while protected from the Atlantic Ocean by barrier islands and long sand splits such as Bar beach. Theport complex can only be access by the Lagos harbor or Commodore Channelwhichis10 km,0.5 km to 1 km wide,and a depth of 10m to 15m. The nature of theport and the volume of traffic that called on the port make VTS a necessity. However, the present state of VTS is poor.The data of this research were obtained from both primary and secondary sources. Primary data included the useof interviews, observations and semi-structured questionnaires administered to VTS operators. The secondary source of data includes GIS data obtained from the VTS station and various publications of NPA,NIMASA etc. The qualitative data were systematically organized in tables, categorized and analyzed while the quantitative data were analyzed using a GIS software, Map Maker. Findings from the research shows that althoughVTS is appropriate at the port, its operations arewithoutIMO compliance in terms of equipment and staffing. Also, 3 AIS, 7 CCTV cameras with night vision, 7 Radar, etc.are some of the equipment needed to upgrade the VTS system to effectively cover the VTS areaof about 258km2.Finding also shows that this upgrade may cost about USD 1,169,000. The study recommends that the Nigeria government through NPA should set up a committee of experts to appraise the current VTS equipment at the port with a view of upgrade. Recommendations also include training of staff, establishment of a coast guide and setting up VTS stations in other Nigeria ports andthecoast to monitor oil installations.