What should be done immediately after departing from a berth?

The appropriate action to take immediately after departing from a berth is to call the Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) as soon as you are off the dock. This is crucial because VTS plays a significant role in managing maritime traffic and ensuring safety on the water. By notifying the VTS of your departure, you provide them with information about your vessel's movement, which helps in monitoring traffic, preventing collisions, and addressing any potential hazards in the area.

Establishing communication with VTS supports overall maritime safety and facilitates coordination with other vessels and port authorities. It sets the stage for continuous communication, which is vital in busy or congested areas where multiple vessels are navigating. The VTS can offer real-time information regarding traffic conditions, weather changes, and any navigational updates that could impact your voyage.

While the other actions, such as notifying the local port authority, checking navigation systems, and ensuring crew readiness, are also important aspects of safe maritime operations, they typically occur before or shortly after the departure but are not the immediate priority once a vessel leaves the berth. The immediate communication with VTS ensures readiness for safe navigation and management of traffic in the area.