Vol. 5, No. 11, November 2024
E-ISSN: 2723 - 6692
P-ISSN: 2723 - 6595
http://jiss.publikasiindonesia.id/
Journal of Indonesian Social Sciences, Vol. 5, No. 11, November 2024 2924
Analysis of Data Communication Networks for VTS Surabaya in
Class I Type A Navigation District Tanjung Perak
Prima Yudha Yudianto, Shofa Dai Robbi, Muhammad Dahri
Politeknik Pelayaran Surabaya, Indonesia
Email: [email protected]om, shofadair[email protected]m, mdahri0161@gmail.com
Correspondence: prima.yudha.17@gmail.com
*
KEYWORDS
ABSTRACT
Computer Network; LAN;
Data Communication; VTS
A reliable data communication network is essential in supporting
Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) operations, especially in managing
vessel traffic in the Class I Navigation District of Tanjung Perak,
Surabaya. However, challenges such as network reliability,
bandwidth capacity, and potential interference are still obstacles in
ensuring efficient operations. This research aims to analyze the
condition of the data communication network at the Tanjung Perak
Class I Navigation District VTS, focusing on the technology used, its
performance, and the obstacles faced. This research uses a
qualitative descriptive approach, with data collected through direct
observation, interviews with VTS operators, and analysis of related
documents. The results show that the communication network at
VTS uses Very High Frequency (VHF) frequency-based radio
communication technology to support operations, such as digital
maps of ship traffic and Automatic Identification System (AIS)
systems. In conclusion, the data communication network at the
Tanjung Perak Class I Navigation District VTS has met basic
operational needs, but still requires further development in terms of
technology and infrastructure to improve its efficiency and
reliability. This research provides recommendations for the
integration of advanced technology, infrastructure improvement,
and human resource training to optimize the performance of the
communication network.
Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Introduction
In today's shipping world, information is needed, especially in terms of shipping traffic service
information (Hebbar et al., 2024). In accordance with the shipping law, the authority to regulate
traffic is handed over to the Navigation District according to their respective areas of authority (Yang
et al., 2023).
In accordance with the Decree of the Director General of Sea Transportation No.
NV.101/1/14/DJPL-15 concerning the Implementation of Standard Operational Procedures of Vesel
Traffic Service (VTS) Surabaya, VTS Surabaya Standard Operational Procedures apply to operational
areas including: (Kementerian Pehubungan, n.d.)
a. 1 (one) Public port Surabaya Port
e-ISSN: 2723-6692 p-ISSN: 2723-6595
Journal of Indonesian Social Sciences, Vol. 5, No. 11, November 2024 2925
b. Coastal areas comprise the location boundary:
1. The western boundary is longitude 112 30'T starting from the island of Java to latitude 6
30'S.
2. The northern boundary is latitude 6 30'S starting from longitude 112 30'T to longitude
113 00'T.
3. The eastern boundary is longitude 113 00'T starting from the island of Java to latitude 6
30'S.
4. The southern boundary is the coastline of Java Island
The Surabaya Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) Standard Operating Procedure applies to vessels
sailing in the Surabaya operational area, as follows: (Baldauf et al., 2020)
a. Vessels of 300 GT or more;
b. SOLAS passenger ships;
c. Vessels of 30 meters or more in length or that are towing or pushing with a combined length of
30 meters or more;
d. Ships of all sizes that are carrying cargo that falls into one of the following categories:
1) Goods classified as dangerous under IMDG (International Maritime Dangerous Goods)
rules;)
2) Materials classified under Chapter '17 of the IBC rules (International Code for the
Construction and Equipment for Ships Carrying Dangerous Chemicals in Bulk and Chapter
19 of the IGC rules (International Code for the Construction and Equipment for Ships
Carrying Liquefied Gasses in Bulk);
3) Oil as defined in Marpol Annex l;
4) Toxic materials as defined in Marpol Annex ll;
5) Destructive material as defined in Marpol Annex lll;
6) Radioactive material declared under the safe transportation rules for INF (lnadiated Nuolear
Fuel); and Ships of all sizes undergoing voyages under the category of special operations
voyages.
While the functions of VTS or operating activities in organizing VTS stations include: (Yoo &
Kim, 2021)
a. Provision of information services, navigation assistance services, and/or traffic management
services.
b. Maintain the safety and efficiency of shipping traffic and environmental protection in the
relevant vesse / Traffic service (ws) operation area.
c. Safeguard resources, facilities, and installations within the relevant WS operation area.
d. Maintain the reliability of the Vesse / Traffic Station (WS) through the implementation of
operations and maintenance in accordance with the provisions of standard operating
procedures.
e. Take necessary measures on behalf of the National Authority in the event of any activity that
may endanger shipping traffic within the relevant WS operating area.
From the above information, especially the function of VTS as a provider of information
services, navigation services and or shipping traffic services, VTS requires good communication and
information technology to support the services that are burdened on VTS.
e-ISSN: 2723-6692 p-ISSN: 2723-6595
Journal of Indonesian Social Sciences, Vol. 5, No. 11, November 2024 2926
Efficient and reliable data communication networks are vital for modern maritime operations,
especially in Vessel Traffic Services (VTS), which ensure safe and orderly shipping traffic. VTS
operations rely heavily on advanced communication technologies to manage increasing traffic
complexity and address safety concerns. Despite the critical role of these networks, challenges persist
in integrating and maintaining robust systems within specific regions.
In Surabaya's Class I Navigation District, VTS functions are underpinned by a data
communication network that bridges the VTS tower and ships navigating its operational area
(Gordyn, 2020). This network supports various critical activities, including traffic monitoring,
collision prevention, and navigation assistance, achieved through real-time data exchange. However,
issues such as network reliability, bandwidth limitations, and susceptibility to interference can hinder
seamless operations.
The purpose of this study was to determine the Data Communication Network Overview at VTS
Class I Navigation District Tanjung Perak Surabaya. The results obtained from a study cannot be
separated from the benefits that can be felt by various parties. This research is expected to contribute
both theoretically and practically. Theoretically, this research can add to the author's insight,
especially related to Data Communication Networks. While practically, this research is expected to be
a useful basis for various parties. First, for the Surabaya Shipping Polytechnic, the results of this study
can help in understanding the description of the Data Communication Network at the VTS of the
Tanjung Perak Class I Navigation District Surabaya. Second, for the community, especially actors in
the world of education, this research is expected to be a reference for understanding the Data
Communication Network at VTS Navigation District Class I Tanjung Perak Surabaya.
Research Methods
Type of Research
This research the authors conducted research with a qualitative descriptive approach,
qualitative descriptive research, descriptive is a problem formulation that guides research to explore
and portray the conditions to be studied broadly and deeply. Qualitative research focuses on the
phenomenon of data communication networks.
A qualitative approach is an approach intended to understand phenomena about the situation
that occurs on a computer network as a research subject, for example, the number of connected
devices, Quality of Service of the network, network down time and network traffic.
Research Location
The research location is in the Class I Navigation District of Tanjung Perak. This location was
chosen because it is in accordance with the title and designation of research to analyze the Data
Communication Network of the Navigation District Class I Tajung Perak Surabaya.
Data source
The data source used by researchers in this study is to use the data communication network
observation technique of the Tanjung Perak Class I Navigation District Surabaya, this observation is
carried out by capturing (mapping) the data communication network, this data as primary data.
Secondary data can be taken from literature books as supporting data.
e-ISSN: 2723-6692 p-ISSN: 2723-6595
Journal of Indonesian Social Sciences, Vol. 5, No. 11, November 2024 2927
Data Collection Techniques
Data collection was done through the following methods:
1. Observation: Researchers made direct observations of the condition of the data
communication network, including the devices used, data traffic, and digital maps in the VTS
control room. This observation provides a real picture of the network function in supporting
VTS operations.
2. Interviews: Researchers conducted semi-structured interviews with VTS operators and
technical staff to gather information regarding their experience in managing the
communication network, challenges faced, and solutions implemented.
3. Documentation: We collected data from official documents, such as technical reports, network
maps, and operational manuals, for additional analysis.
Data Analysis Technique
Data analysis was conducted in a descriptive qualitative manner by describing the results of
observations, interviews, and documentation. The collected data were analyzed to identify patterns,
challenges, and opportunities for the development of data communication networks in the Tanjung
Perak Class I Navigation District.
Results and Discussion
Results
VTS (Vassel Traffic Service) in accordance with the Decree of the Director General of Sea
Transportation No. NV101/1/14/DJPL-15 (Kementerian Pehubungan, n.d.) has the responsibility:
- Provision of Information services, navigation assistance services, and/or traffic management
services.
- Maintain the safety and efficiency of shipping traffic and environmental protection in the
relevant VTS (Vassel Traffic Service) operation area.
- Maintain resources, facilities or installations within the relevant VTS operating area.
- Maintain the reliability of the Vessel Traffic Service VTS station through the implementation of
operations and maintenance in accordance with the provisions of standard operating
procedures.
- Take necessary measures on behalf of the National Authority in the event of any activity_ that
may endanger shipping traffic within the relevant VTS operating area.
The above description of responsibilities shows the vital role of VTS in the process of shipping
navigation and shipping traffic management. In carrying out the main tasks and functions as a
provider of information services, navigation assistance and / or traffic management requires
communication technology. Communication technology as a bridge between the VTS Tower and ships
that are on the traffic and navigation path where VTS is located and authorized to handle shipping
traffic.
e-ISSN: 2723-6692 p-ISSN: 2723-6595
Journal of Indonesian Social Sciences, Vol. 5, No. 11, November 2024 2928
Figure 1. VTS Building of Naviation District Class I Tanjung Perak Surabaya
Source: Tanjung Perak Class I Navigation District (2024)
Radio Comunication
The maritime domain employs a multitude of communication technologies across the radio
spectrum to attain these objectives, which are instrumental in ensuring safe navigation, optimizing
operational efficiency, and facilitating commercial activities (including trade and public
correspondence). However, many of these technologies were developed with a single application in
mind. Consequently, a ship must carry a variety of communication equipment to receive relevant data.
In the context of e-Navigation, there is an opportunity to plan a maritime communication system
architecture. This necessitates an assessment of the probable communication requirements and an
understanding of the radio spectrum available to the community (IALA, 2017).
The maritime domain employs communications for a variety of critical applications, including
safety, routine operational activities, and commercial applications such as trade and general
correspondence. To realize the advantages of e-Navigation design, the communication architecture
must prioritize a limited set of recognized applications while maintaining the flexibility to evolve and
accommodate other applications as needed.
Propagation
It is important to note that both analog and digital communications will experience
propagation effects. In the case of digital communications, propagation can limit or hinder the
transmission of digital communications. Therefore, measures may be required to address this issue
in order to reduce the adverse effects of propagation. Potential measures that could be employed
include carrier selection or the use of appropriate protocols for the communication process.
e-ISSN: 2723-6692 p-ISSN: 2723-6595
Journal of Indonesian Social Sciences, Vol. 5, No. 11, November 2024 2929
Low Freqency Band (LF)
The LF radio spectrum is utilized by the maritime community for a variety of purposes. While
the Loran C system is no longer operational, alternative systems, such as eLoran, are being developed
to assess the potential for utilizing this spectrum.
Medium Frequency / High Frequency Band (MF/HF)
The maritime community employs the MF/HF radio spectrum for a variety of purposes,
including voice and data communications. These operations are conducted in three principal modes:
ship-to-ship, ship-to-shore, and ship-to-ship. MF/HF transmissions facilitate the dissemination of
general maritime safety information (MSI) and distress-related communications through the use of
DSC, NBDP, voice, and data. These communications traverse the maritime mobile service band,
spanning the range of 1.6 to 26.5 MHz. Distress-related communications are allocated to a limited
number of designated channels. The channel bandwidth is typically 0.5 kHz (DSC and NBDP) and 3
kHz (voice and data).
Digital Selective Calling (DSC)
Digital Selective Calling (DSC) is a technique that employs digital codes to enable radio stations
to establish communications and transfer information to other stations or groups of stations. It is
utilized for emergency or general communications over medium to long range distances (patki et al.,
2022). DSC is primarily utilized for ship-to-ship, ship-to-shore, and ship-to-ship distress, urgency, and
safety calls prior to the initiation of distress, urgency, and safety communications via MF/HF radio
telephony or telex. DSC distress alerts, which consist of pre-formatted distress messages, are
employed to initiate emergency communications with ships and rescue coordination centers. The
objective of DSC is to eliminate the necessity for manual monitoring of radio receivers on distress and
safety frequencies on the bridge or on shore. Additionally, six specific MF/HF frequencies have been
designated for Digital Selective Calling (DSC) and safety communications, with one allocated to each
communications sub-band up to the 16 MHz band. DSC is an integral component of GMDSS.
Additionally, it can be utilized to establish communication with a specific station, a group of stations,
or all stations within the designated radio range. Each DSC-equipped ship, shore station, or group is
assigned a unique 9-digit maritime code, as defined in Recommendation ITU-R M.585. This code is
known as the Mobile Service Identity (MMSI).
Voice Communication
Various uses of the MF/HF radio spectrum in the maritime community for voice
communications modes of operation of ships, ships-shore and shore-ships. Voice communications are
common throughout the 1.6-26.5 MHz band. Channel bandwidth is typically 3 kHz. Digital
communications in the MF/HF band is a relatively new technology with high potential (Goldman &
Rawles, 2001).
Data Communication
The advent of new and evolving HF digital modulation techniques has opened up fresh avenues
for the utilisation of frequency band (1.6-26.5 MHz) data transmission. The pertinent technologies
are delineated in Recommendation ITU-R M.1798. Recommendation ITU-R M.1798-1, published in
e-ISSN: 2723-6692 p-ISSN: 2723-6595
Journal of Indonesian Social Sciences, Vol. 5, No. 11, November 2024 2930
April 2010, encompasses three systems. System 1 is an HF data service modem protocol that employs
orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) and 4/8-PSK modulation to 32 sub-carriers.
System 2 is an electronic mail system that employs the Pactor-III protocol with quadrature phase-
shift keying (QPSK) modulation to 18 sub-carriers. It should be noted that Systems 1 and 2 utilise the
3 kHz channel for data rates of 3 kbps or lower. System 3 is a wideband HF data system for internet
access and electronic mail services using OFDM. This system employs QAM modulation to 228 sub-
carriers at 10 kHz bandwidth or 460 sub-carriers at 20 kHz bandwidth, supporting data rates up to
51 kbps. All three systems are IP-level compatible, facilitating interoperability (Sandy et al., 2015).
Narrowband Direct Printing (NBDP)
NBDP is a technique that automates the process of radio signaling, which is used in telegraphy.
NBDP (also referred to as radio telex) is frequency-shift keying (FSK) modulated onto a 0.5 kHz high-
frequency (HF) channel and is capable of supporting low-speed data transmission (100 bps) within
the maritime mobile service band, which spans from 1.6 to 26.5 MHz (Toulouse et al., 2021). NBDP is
an integral component of GMDSS, facilitating text-based distress follow-up communication and
general communication between ship-to-ship, ship-to-shore, and land-to-ship, thereby overcoming
language barriers. The utilization of NBDP for general communication is on the decline. It is currently
employed for position reporting from ships and for disseminating warning announcements and
meteorological forecasts from shore stations. It has been suggested that NBDP may be phased out as
a required system under GMDSS for position reporting from ships and for conveying meteorological
warnings and forecasts from coastal stations.
Very High Frequency Band (VHF)
The maritime VHF frequency band (156.025-162.025 MHz) is common and is the primary
means of ship-shore, ship-shore and vessel communications within the domain. It is used for distress
information, safety and general communications. The frequency in use is currently 25 kHz although
the use of 12.5 kHz channels on a basic basis is allowed to improve spectrum efficiency.
Regional Data Communication Systems
In many regions, VHF data communication systems are available for shore-to-ship and ship-
to-shore data exchange. Such systems are commercial in nature and are used mainly for vessel
tracking, search areas in SAR operations, etc.
Discussion
From the description of the communication technology described above, most of the
communication technology used uses radio communication from LF, MF, HF and VHF frequencies. At
VTS Navigation District Class I Tanjung Perak Surabaya also uses radio communication technology to
communicate between ports to ships. At VTS Navigation District Class I Tanjung Perak Surabaya uses
the Very High Frequency (VHF) frequency, in this radio communication-based communication used
in all communications both voice communication and data communication (Arif, 2014). VHF
frequency waves are in the 156.025 to 162.025 MHz band. Data communication is very important in
VTS operations. In the comment cetre room of the VTS Building there is a monitor screen that displays
e-ISSN: 2723-6692 p-ISSN: 2723-6595
Journal of Indonesian Social Sciences, Vol. 5, No. 11, November 2024 2931
a map of the shipping lanes and shipping traffic in the authority area of the Tanjung Perak Class I
Navigation District.
Figure 2. VTS control room Class I navigation district tanjung Perak
Source: Tanjung Perak Class I Navigation District (2024)
In VTS operations, as a regulator of shipping traffic so that ship traffic in the shipping lane is
safe and can take place in an orderly manner, good communication is needed between the VTS Center
and ships or ships with ships (Parlov, 2023). Special data communication plays an important role in
regulating ship traffic on the shipping channel, this communication is used in digital chart technology
at the VTS center, the digital map is a reference for VTS Center officers in monitoring ship traffic
movements, in the map there are ship traffic lanes, shipping channel signs and ships that are sailing
on the shipping channel.
e-ISSN: 2723-6692 p-ISSN: 2723-6595
Journal of Indonesian Social Sciences, Vol. 5, No. 11, November 2024 2932
Figure 3. Digital map
Source: Tanjung Perak Class I Navigation District (2024)
Another application is in the AIS (Automatic Identification System) system, AIS is a TDMA-
based data exchange system used by ship and coastal authorities (Alqurashi et al., 2023). The main
purpose of AIS is to improve navigation safety by assisting the efficiency of ship navigation,
environmental protection, and the organization of Vessel Traffic Services (VTS), by meeting the
following functional requirements:
1. In ship-to-ship mode to avoid collisions
2. As a means for coastal States to obtain information about a ship and its cargo
3. As a VTS tool that is ship-to-shore (traffic management)
AIS provides a means for vessels to electronically exchange vessel data including identification,
position, course and speed with nearby vessels and other shore stations (Tixerant et al., 2018). This
information can be displayed on a screen display. AIS is intended to assist the ship's watch officer and
allow maritime authorities to track and monitor vessel movements. AIS uses VHF channels AIS 1
(161.975 MHz) and AIS 2 (162.025 MHz) or regional channels defined by geographic area. In addition,
AIS has the ability to exchange data via application-specific messages for navigation and safety-
related purposes.
Conclusion
From the observations and documentation that have been carried out by the author, it can be
concluded that the data communication network at VTS Class I Navigation District Tanjung Perak
Surabaya uses radio communication technology with the Very High Frequency (VHF) spectrum with
a frequency band of 156.025 to 162.025 MHz. Examples of applications of data communication at VTS
are digital maps of ship traffic flow and AIS (Automatic Identification System).
This research is the beginning of the introduction of the data communication network at VTS
Navigation District Level I Tanjung Perak Surabaya, there is still a lot that needs to be explored more
deeply in its application, especially those that are trending about AIS (Automatic Identification
System) technology. In the next research it is possible to discuss AIS as a unified system that needs to
be known and studied more deeply.
References
Alqurashi, F. S., Trichili, A., Saeed, N., Ooi, B. S., & Alouini, M.-S. (2023). Maritime Communications: A
Survey on Enabling Technologies, Opportunities, and Challenges. IEEE Internet of Things Journal,
10(4), 3525–3547. https://doi.org/10.1109/JIOT.2022.3219674
Arif, S. (2014). Analisis Kinerja Access Point 802.11g pada Jaringan Wireless Distribution System dari
Sisi Client Menggunakan Topologi Point To Point,. ETD Unsyiah.
Baldauf, M., Claresta, G., & Nugroho, T. F. (2020). Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) to ensure safety of
maritime transportation: studies of potentials in Sunda Strait. IOP Conference Series: Earth and
Environmental Science, 557(1), 012068. https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/557/1/012068
Goldman, J. E., & Rawles, P. T. (2001). Applied data communications a business-oriented approach (3rd
Edition). John Wiley & Sons.
e-ISSN: 2723-6692 p-ISSN: 2723-6595
Journal of Indonesian Social Sciences, Vol. 5, No. 11, November 2024 2933
Gordyn, C. (2020). A Bridge over Turbulent Waters: The Australia-Indonesia Relationship Through the
Lens of Irregular Migration [ ProQuest Dissertations & Theses]. The Australian National
University (Australia).
Hebbar, A. A., Schröder-Hinrichs, J.-U., & Yildiz, S. (2024). Vessel Traffic Management in the Era of
Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships and Digitalization: Experiences in European Waters. In
Area-Based Management of Shipping (pp. 185–205). Springer Nature Switzerland.
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-60053-1_8
IALA. (2017). Maritime Radio Communication Plan (MRCP).
Kementerian Pehubungan. (n.d.). Keputusan Dirjen Perhubungan Laut No. NV101/1/14/DJPL-15.
Parlov, I. (2023). Can the International Regulatory Framework on Ships’ Routing, Ship Reporting, and
Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) Accommodate Marine Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS)? Ocean
Development & International Law, 54(2), 163–180.
https://doi.org/10.1080/00908320.2023.2211781
patki, V., Mehbodniya, A., Webber, J. L., kuppusamy, A., anul haq, M., kumar, A., & Karupusamy, S.
(2022). Improving the geo-drone-based route for effective communication and connection
stability improvement in the emergency area ad-hoc network. Sustainable Energy Technologies
and Assessments, 53, 102558. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.seta.2022.102558
Sandy, F. N., Syafei, W. A., & Santoso, I. (2015). Optimasi Ketinggian Acces Point pada Jaringan
Wirelless Distribution System. Transient: Jurnal Ilmiah Teknik Elektro, 4(2), 355–359.
Tixerant, M. Le, Guyader, D. Le, Gourmelon, F., & Queffelec, B. (2018). How can Automatic
Identification System (AIS) data be used for maritime spatial planning? Ocean & Coastal
Management, 166, 18–30. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ocecoaman.2018.05.005
Toulouse, A., Drozella, J., Thiele, S., Giessen, H., & Herkommer, A. (2021). 3D-printed miniature
spectrometer for the visible range with a 100 × 100 μm
2
footprint. Light: Advanced
Manufacturing, 2(1), 20. https://doi.org/10.37188/lam.2021.002
Yang, J., Sun, Y., Song, Q., & Ma, L. (2023). Laws and preventive methods of collision accidents between
merchant and fishing vessels in coastal area of China. Ocean & Coastal Management, 231, 106404.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ocecoaman.2022.106404
Yoo, S.-L., & Kim, K.-I. (2021). Optimal Staffing for Vessel Traffic Service Operators: A Case Study of
Yeosu VTS. Sensors, 21(23), 8004. https://doi.org/10.3390/s21238004
