Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) Los Angeles-Long Beach (LA/LB) is jointly operated by the
Coast Guard and Marine Exchange of LA/LB from the Vessel Traffic Center located in San Pedro. The VTS assists in the safe navigation of vessels approaching the ports of LA/LB in an area extending 25 miles out to sea from Point Fermin.
The VTS works closely with the LA/LB pilots to ensure a smooth transition from vessel movements outside the federal breakwater into port. Annually over 5,500 deep draft vessels arrive from around the world to call on the ports of LA/LB supporting an annual trade which has earned the port complex the reputation as the busiest in the nation. In 2002, more than 10 million TEU's (Twenty Foot Equivalent cargo container units) will pass through the LA/LB Harbor complex. The LA/LB VTS plays a crucial role in ensuring safe, efficient, and reliable marine transportation in the nation's busiest port complex.
The LA/LB VTS developed a unique partnership with the state of California, the Coast Guard, the Ports of Los Angeles-Long Beach, the Marine Exchange, and the local maritime community. With start up funds provided by the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, the VTIS operations are supported by fees assessed against commercial vessels operating in the LA/LB area. Since first coming on line in March 1994, the VTIS has facilitated the safe transits of over 120,000 covered vessels within and throughout the AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (AOR).