A marine traffic management system, operated by a competent authority, for improving the safety and efficiency of vessel traffic and protecting the environment within designated service areas. A vessel traffic service (VTS) has the ability and the authority to interact with marine traffic and respond to developing traffic situations. It improves order and predictability on the waterway throughout its service area by using surveillance, communications, and standard operating procedures to collect, evaluate, and share information to support professional mariners' navigation decision making. Opportunities for human error are reduced through the provision of traffic information, traffic organization, and navigation-assistance services. Captains, mates, and marine pilots use the delivered vessel traffic services to direct and control the maneuvering of ships, tugs with tows, and passenger ferries.