New harbour signal station in service

Tuesday 31 May 2022

A new signal station and navigation lights are now in operation on the White Rock in St Peter Port Harbour.

Guernsey Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) has moved into its new accommodation on the pier, which is in a two-storey container conversion.

There are two VTS operator positions on the first floor. The ground floor houses a server room, breakout space and welfare facilities.

Newly-installed navigation lights on the site control large vessel movements, one- or two-way vessel movements and the entry and exit of vessels in St Peter Port during emergencies.

Guernsey VTS has responsibility for vessel traffic management across St Peter Port and St Sampson’s Harbours. The station has seven VTS Officers (VTSOs), who are trained to an internationally-recognised standard and use a variety of systems to deliver services, including VHF radio, radar, AIS and CCTV.

Pictured: The new navigation lights will aid in the management of traffic in and out of St Peter Port Harbour. 

The new structure was installed late last year. Since then, work has been undertaken to fit out and commission the equipment, data links, telephony and radio services needed for the VTS to function. This has included installing a new radar antenna in St. Sampson's to improve coverage. 

Assistant Harbourmaster and VTS Manager at Guernsey Ports, James Way, said the new facilities provided a fresh and comfortable environment for staff.

"I would like to thank the Ports’ technical works team and our dedicated external partners for delivering this complex project ready for a busy summer season," said Mr Way.

Captain David Barker, Guernsey's Harbourmaster, is delighted that the project was delivered on time and within budget.

"Provision of a VTS organisation promotes safety of life at sea, safety of navigation and efficiency of vessel traffic movement," said Captain Barker.

"Investment in this new signal station allows Guernsey Ports to deliver a modern vessel traffic management operation, which fully complies with international maritime standards."

Guernsey Ports is a trading division of the States' Trading Supervisory Board.

Pictured (top): The view from the new White Rock signal station and the new navigation lights.