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TRANSPORT
Hydrographic Office
of
The increase in the number and size of ships visiting the port and the increasing pace reclamation have increased the need for accurate and up-to-date hydrographic surveys and charts. The department has established its own hydrographic office and this will gradually replace the services, in respect of the territory, which are presently provided to the shipping community by the British Admiralty.
Dangerous Goods
A prototype Dangerous Goods Control System is in place in an attempt to establish more accurately the quantities and types of dangerous goods being moved into and out of Hong Kong. When the results of the prototype control system are available, the department will introduce a stricter control regime, using the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code as its cornerstone.
Well-equipped fleets of fire boats, tugs, oil pollution control vessels and marine police launches are available to respond to any emergency.
Risk Assessment
As a longer-term objective to improve the safety and efficiency of the harbour, the Marine Department will commission a marine risk assessment study, to identify problem areas and to draw up a comprehensive action plan. The findings of the study are expected to be available by the end of 1996.
Looking Ahead
With the continued growth in, and the rapid economic integration with, southern China, Hong Kong will remain a major shipping centre and a hub port for the region. The economic growth will not only attract additional marine traffic to Hong Kong but will also see increased traffic moving to the new and developing Chinese ports through the Ma Wan Channel and Mirs Bay. The territory will continue to face new challenges in maintaining a safe port while improving efficiency. Efforts will continue towards strengthening traffic. management through the provision of more local control stations and traffic regulations. The possibility of increasing the flow of traffic through the narrow Ma Wan Channel by relaxing tidal windows will also be explored.
Participation in International Shipping Organisations
International Maritime Organisation
Hong Kong is an associate member of the International Maritime Organisation. This status will continue after 1997 in accordance with the Sino-British Joint Declaration on the Question of Hong Kong. The territory participates actively in the proceedings of the organisation, especially in the development of measures to improve shipping safety and prevent pollution of the sea.
Maritime Search and Rescue
By international agreement, the Marine Department is the Maritime Search and Rescue Co- ordinator for the area of the South China Sea north of latitude 10°N and west of longitude 120°E, excluding the immediate coastal waters of neighbouring states.
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