SEMINAR ON VTS EXPERIENCES AND CHALLENGES
IALA, in association with the Jovellanos Training Centre, are hosting a seminar in Gijón, Spain between 2 – 4 June 2026, to inform the future work of the IALA VTS Committee.
Background
This seminar offers a platform for VTS personnel to come together and exchange both operational, technical and training experiences. This forum will enable practitioners to share insights, explore common challenges and learn from one another’s day‑to‑day work.
The seminar provides an opportunity for participants to discuss techniques, issues and developments of shared interest across the global VTS community. By bringing operational staff and technical specialists into the same space, it will help build a clearer picture of the real challenges faced within daily VTS operations.
Objective of the Seminar
A key purpose of the seminar is to gather first‑hand perspectives that will inform the future work of the IALA VTS Committee. Insights collected during the event will support the identification of new work items and shape the next Work Programme, ensuring that IALA documentation continues to reflect operational realities and evolving needs.
Attendees
Whether you work as an operator or supervisor this seminar offers a valuable chance to contribute your experience, learn from colleagues and help guide the future development of VTS guidance and best practice. VTS providers are kindly encouraged to facilitate attendance of their personnel to this event.
Programme
The programme is outlined below, a full document will be provided closer to the event:
Day 1 – Tuesday, 2 June 2026
- Session 1 – Opening and Setting the Scene
- Session 2 – Current Operational Experiences
- Session 3 – Current Equipment Experiences
- Session 4 – Current Training Experiences
Social event:
- Icebreaking Event (Monday 1 June, 20:00–22:00 – Abba Gijón Hotel)
Day 2 – Wednesday, 3 June 2026
- Session 5 – Future VTS Operational Challenges
- Session 6 – Future VTS Equipment Challenges
- Session 7 – Future VTS Training Challenges
- Focus Groups – Operations, Equipment & Training
Social event:
- Traditional Regional Dinner (20:00–22:00 – typical local restaurant)
Day 3 – Thursday, 4 June 2026
- From Ideas to Proposals – Operations
- From Ideas to Proposals – Equipment
- From Ideas to Proposals – Training
Registration
The workshop is free to attend and will include:
Participation at all sessions
All material presented at the workshop
- Tea / coffee
- Lunch (Tuesday – Wednesday)
- A welcome reception
- A workshop dinner
- A technical tour,
Participants will cover their own travel and hotel costs.
List of hotels with negociated prices.
Please note that the workshop capacity is 100 persons.
Cancellation policy
All cancellations must be sent by e-mail to contact@iala.int
A refund in full of the registration fee will only be provided if notification is given at least one week prior to the event. Otherwise, a cancellation charge of 50% will be applied. Name changes will be accepted. In case of a no-show, 100% of the registration fee will be charged.