U.S. Coast Guard Vessel Traffic Resources
Since 1790, the U.S. Coast Guard has safeguarded our nation's maritime interests. Its missions include, among others, port state control, maritime security, search and rescue, and environmental protection. The Greater Houston Port Bureau works closely with the Coast Guard's Vessel Traffic Service to execute the shared goal of keeping the waterway safe for navigation.
This page provides USCG resources to mariners and facility operators in the Greater Houston Marine Transportation System to report hazards to the Vessel Traffic Service.
USCG MSIB's will be updated with current USCG information.
**VTS chartlets are not intended for navigation and should be used for reference only.**
Since 1790, the U.S. Coast Guard has safeguarded our nation's maritime interests. Its missions include, among others, port state control, maritime security, search and rescue, and environmental protection. The Greater Houston Port Bureau works closely with the Coast Guard's Vessel Traffic Service to execute the shared goal of keeping the waterway safe for navigation.
This page provides USCG resources to mariners and facility operators in the Greater Houston Marine Transportation System to report hazards to the Vessel Traffic Service.
USCG MSIB's will be updated with current USCG information.
**VTS chartlets are not intended for navigation and should be used for reference only.**
LINKS TO VTS/ COTP FORMS AND INFORMATION
FORMS
Notice of Intent to Disable Machinery
Non-VTSA/GIWW Channel Obstruction Requests
INFORMATION
2024 VTS State of the Waterway
VTS Policy for Restricted Mooring, Bunkering, and/ or Lighting Locations (as of Jun 10, 2025)
CURRENT USCG MSIB'S
01-25 Active and Archived MSIBs 1999-2025
02-25 AtoN Change in Houston Ship Channel
03-25 Autonomous Surface Vessel
04-25 Seafarer Welfare Awareness
05-25 Rescission of MSIB 08-24
07-25 Oil & Hazardous Cargo Transfer Operations at Sea & Marine Casualty Reporting
ACTIVE LEGACY USCG MSIB'S
10-10 Maintaining a Proper Lookout
01-15 Requirements for Lightering Oil and hazardous Materials In-Port
09-16 San Jacinto River Mud Bank
11-16 Notice of Intent to Disable Machinery
14-16 Under-Keel Clearance at Waterfront Facilities Hydrographic Surveys
18-17 Requests to Ship Explosives through the Port of Galveston
01-19 Inerting Requirements for Oil and Chemical Tankers
57-20 Oversize Tow Permits Sector Houston Galveston COTP Zone
12-22 Certificate of Compliance (COC) Exams Scheduling Business Rules
13-22 Restricted Tankerman-PIC (Barge) at Tank Cleaning and Gas Freeing Facilities
05-23 Vessel Traffic Service Area Vessel Requirements
37-23 Ventilation Recommendations for Ships
07-24 Temporary Aids to Navigation Change in Houston Ship Channel
08-24 Update 1 I-10 / San Jacinto River Bridge Construction