[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 33, Volume 2]
[Revised as of July 1, 2002]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 33CFR161.2]

[Page 563-564]
 
                TITLE 33--NAVIGATION AND NAVIGABLE WATERS
 
    CHAPTER I--COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (CONTINUED)
 
PART 161--VESSEL TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT--Table of Contents
 
                   Subpart A--Vessel Traffic Services
 
Sec. 161.2  Definitions.

    For the purposes of this part:
    Cooperative Vessel Traffic Services (CVTS) means the system of 
vessel traffic management established and jointly operated by the United 
States and Canada within adjoining waters. In addition, CVTS facilitates 
traffic movement and anchorages, avoids jurisdictional disputes, and 
renders assistance in emergencies in adjoining United States and 
Canadian waters.
    Hazardous Vessel Operating Condition means any condition related to 
a vessel's ability to safely navigate or maneuver, and includes, but is 
not limited to:
    (1) The absence or malfunction of vessel operating equipment, such 
as propulsion machinery, steering gear, radar system, gyrocompass, depth 
sounding device, automatic radar plotting aid (ARPA), radiotelephone, 
Automatic Identification System equipment, navigational lighting, sound 
signaling devices or similar equipment.
    (2) Any condition on board the vessel likely to impair navigation, 
such as lack of current nautical charts and publications, personnel 
shortage, or similar condition.
    (3) Vessel characteristics that affect or restrict maneuverability, 
such as cargo arrangement, trim, loaded condition, underkeel clearance, 
speed, or similar characteristics.
    Precautionary Area means a routing measure comprising an area within 
defined limits where vessels must navigate with particular caution and 
within which the direction of traffic may be recommended.
    Towing Vessel means any commercial vessel engaged in towing another 
vessel astern, alongside, or by pushing ahead.
    Vessel Movement Reporting System (VMRS) is a system used to manage 
and track vessel movements within a VTS area. This is accomplished by a 
vessel providing information under established procedures as set forth 
in this part, or as directed by the VTS.
    Vessel Movement Reporting System (VMRS) User means a vessel, or an 
owner, operator, charterer, master, or person directing the movement of 
a vessel, that is required to participate in a VMRS within a VTS area. 
VMRS participation is required for:
    (1) Every power-driven vessel of 40 meters (approximately 131 feet) 
or more in length, while navigating;
    (2) Every towing vessel of 8 meters (approximately 26 feet) or more 
in length, while navigating; or
    (3) Every vessel certificated to carry 50 or more passengers for 
hire, when engaged in trade.
    Vessel Traffic Center (VTC) means the shore-based facility that 
operates the vessel traffic service for the Vessel Traffic Service area 
or sector within such an area.
    Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) means a service implemented by the 
United States Coast Guard designed to improve the safety and efficiency 
of vessel traffic and to protect the environment. The VTS has the 
capability to interact with marine traffic and respond to traffic 
situations developing in the VTS area.
    Vessel Traffic Service Area or VTS Area means the geographical area 
encompassing a specific VTS area of service. This area of service may be 
subdivided into sectors for the purpose of allocating responsibility to 
individual Vessel Traffic Centers or to identify different operating 
requirements.
    Note: Although regulatory jurisdiction is limited to the navigable 
waters of the United States, certain vessels will be encouraged or may 
be required, as a condition of port entry, to report beyond this area to 
facilitate traffic management within the VTS area.
    VTS Special Area means a waterway within a VTS area in which special 
operating requirements apply.
    VTS User means a vessel, or an owner, operator, charterer, master, 
or person directing the movement of a vessel, that is:
    (a) Subject to the Vessel Bridge-to-Bridge Radiotelephone Act; or
    (b) Required to participate in a VMRS within a VTS area (VMRS User).
    VTS User's Manual means the manual established and distributed by 
the VTS to provide the mariner with a description of the services 
offered and rules in force for that VTS. Additionally, the manual may 
include chartlets showing the area and sector boundaries, general

[[Page 564]]

navigational information about the area, and procedures, radio 
frequencies, reporting provisions and other information which may assist 
the mariner while in the VTS area.

[CGD 90-020, 59 FR 36324, July 15, 1994, as amended by CGE 97-023, 62 FR 
33364, June 19, 1997]