TRANSPORT
Plans are afoot to relocate the pilot boarding station seawards from Green Island to the outer entrance of the East Lamma Channel in the near future. This relocation, together with certain administrative changes to the institutional arrangements of the service, will help enhance safety of navigation in the busy channel and enable marine pilotage service to meet the needs of the port well into the next century.
Hydrographic Office
Continued growth in the number and size of visiting ships together with the increasing pace of land reclamation in the port areas have demanded accurate nautical charts and more frequent depth surveys. The Hydrographic Office became fully established in late 1996 with the delivery of its second 20-metre survey boat which is equipped with the world's latest hydrographic surveying instrumentation. This is complemented by the comprehensive office-based, fully digital chart production system. Major re-surveys of the port areas continue and the first charts produced and printed in Hong Kong will be available in early 1997.
A continuous radio broadcasting service for the Navstar satellite navigation system (GPS) commenced to provide sub-metre positioning accuracy of the survey launches. To enhance safety of navigation, the government provides this signal to all maritime users wishing to avail themselves of the service, free of charge. The Hydrographic Office is well positioned to fully take over by mid-1997 the nautical services currently provided to the shipping community by the British Admiralty.
Dangerous Goods
The establishment of the Dangerous Goods Information System in early 1997 will provide information for checking and verifying that packaged dangerous goods meet the requirements of the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code. It also provides information which enables a correct and immediate response in the event of fire or spillage so as to minimise the hazards to the people and environment.
Public Cargo Working Areas
Public cargo working areas on the waterfronts are managed by the Marine Department. In order to maximise the usage of this facility and enhance the efficiency of cargo operations, the department commissioned a financial viability study. In the light of its recommendations and in consultation with the cargo operators, the department is devising a new management system.
Participation in International Shipping Organisations International Maritime Organisation
Hong Kong is an associate member of the International Maritime Organisation and this status will continue after 1997 in accordance with the Sino-British Joint Declaration. The territory has participated in the proceedings of the organisation in developing measures to improve shipping safety and prevent pollution of the sea. In 1996, Hong Kong representatives attended 16 meetings on various subjects.
The Hong Kong administration was particularly active in several current issues, including measures to control air pollution from ships, contamination by transport of aquatic organisms in ballast water, fire protection measures, safety measures for high- speed passenger craft and safety management systems for ships.
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