## 2 Characteristics of the Swinoujscie--Szczecin Waterway
Industry: The waterway is vital for industrial development in the region. It provides industries with cost-effective and eco-friendly transportation options, enabling them to transport raw materials, finished goods, and waste products efficiently. Key industries such as steel production, shipbuilding, and petrochemicals rely on the Swinoujscie-Szczecin waterway for their operations. 3. Energy: The waterway is essential for the energy sector in the region, particularly for the transport of coal, oil, and natural gas. The LNG terminal in Swinoujscie plays a critical role in Poland's energy security and diversification by allowing the import of liquefied natural gas from various global sources. 4. Tourism: The Swinoujscie-Szczecin waterway has great potential for tourism development, attracting tourists with its picturesque landscapes, historical sites, and recreational opportunities. River cruises, boating, and water sports are popular activities, contributing to the growth of the local tourism industry. 5. Employment: The waterway generates employment opportunities in various sectors, including port operations, shipping, logistics, and tourism. The growth of industries and businesses reliant on the waterway creates a multiplier effect, generating additional jobs in supporting sectors such as retail, hospitality, and construction. 6. Infrastructure development: The Swinoujscie-Szczecin waterway has prompted significant investments in infrastructure projects, such as port expansions, navigational improvements, and the construction of roads and railways to support the increased traffic. These investments not only enhance the efficiency of the waterway but also contribute to the overall economic growth of the region. In conclusion, the Swinoujscie-Szczecin waterway plays a pivotal role in the regional economy by supporting trade, industry, energy, tourism, and job creation. The waterway has a wide-reaching impact on the economic development of the Baltic Sea region and beyond, making it a vital component of European transportation infrastructure. The VTS service provides information and traffic organization services for ships, particularly concerning:  
* any hazards,
* clusters of vessels,
* traffic density,
* meteorological and hydrological conditions of the maritime environment,
* status of navigational aids,
* expected ship encounters,
* names of approaching ships, type, position, dangerous maneuvering conditions if present, and maneuvering intentions if reported,
* local operations and port conditions, such as cross-traffic of ferries, dredgers, and others. * availability of anchorage areas. To provide the aforementioned services, the VTS service utilizes available radar systems, communication devices, and the Automatic Identification System (AIS), which is a communication system providing an automatic exchange of data identifying the ship and informing about the parameters of its movement. VTS operations have an informational and advisory character. The captain of the vessel bears full responsibility for the ship's navigation. Figure 2: The Szczecin Lagoon with VTS areas of competence.