http://gcaptain.disqus.com/A blog about ships!enWed, 20 Feb 2008 10:08:03 -0000http://gcaptain.com/maritime/blog/a-word-on-vessel-traffic-service/#comment-1348482A duty pilot advisor can talk with a pilot and exchange information, and, can informVTS staff of pertinent information that may be applicable. However without a joint cooperative effort that is mutually agreed to the status quo continues. Lawful terms "by all available means" and "special circumstances." may be applied. JGDJohn DenhamWed, 20 Feb 2008 10:08:03 -0000http://gcaptain.com/maritime/blog/a-word-on-vessel-traffic-service/#comment-1348484One would think not, but when lawyers start naming plantiffs reason and restraint are not the bywords. Even if a party is innocent of wrongdoing it can be very expensive to defend your position in court.OneEighteenWed, 20 Feb 2008 08:58:33 -0000http://gcaptain.com/maritime/blog/a-word-on-vessel-traffic-service/#comment-1348486If they are simply in an advisory role do they still have liability?Jason MWed, 20 Feb 2008 02:03:22 -0000http://gcaptain.com/maritime/blog/a-word-on-vessel-traffic-service/#comment-1348480Good observations about VTS strengths and shortcomings. Here in Houston the pilot's association was approached about taking a more active role in VTS including possibly administering the service instead of the Coast Guard or assigning pilots to stand a watch in VTS as advisors. It was never done. The major hurdle was liability issues for the pilot's association. The government enjoys lawsuit immunity, the pilots do not. I remember reading about a similar issue in NY harbor.OneEighteenTue, 19 Feb 2008 14:53:08 -0000