CC,
Yep, a report - not a broadcast. And when identified this simply is "approaching TOD", or "request descent" etc. I.e. most of the East Coast QLINK ops.
That is
not a position report! Refer to Capt Claret's AIP post: note the word
position. Note the word
must
ATC can see you on the screen, you are identified.
And makes not one iota of difference to position reporting requirements. An IFR is still required to make position reports OCTA, identified or not.
Pingouin, the VFR traffic should be looking out the window. They are VFR. ATC should pass them as traffic to the IFR aircraft descending OCTA if workload and time permits.
How do you propose I pass traffic off radar on unknown VFR or on a nil transponder VFR in radar coverage? Most aerodromes have no usable radar coverage anywhere near them.