TRANSPORT
Marine Accident Investigations
To comply with obligations under international conventions, the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) of the Marine Department investigates all significant marine accidents involving any vessels within Hong Kong waters, or involving Hong Kong registered ships anywhere in the world.
These investigations aimed to establish the circumstances surrounding the accident, to learn safety lessons and to prevent similar accidents in the future. The lessons learnt are promulgated in notices issued by the Marine Department. In addition, the summaries of the investigation reports are posted on the department's web site and copies of the full reports are made available to all interested parties.
In more serious accidents, a formal investigation presided by a judicial officer, who will be assisted by one or more assessors, may be ordered. These cases are heard in public.
In 2000, a total of 23 accidents were investigated by the MAIB and there were no cases that required formal investigation.
Seafarers
The Merchant Shipping (Seafarers) Ordinance and its subsidiary legislation regulate the registration, employment, competence, discipline, health, safety and welfare of Hong Kong seafarers. The Marine Department's Mercantile Marine Office registers these seafarers and supervises their engagement on board ships.
In 2000, some 1 227 Hong Kong officers and ratings served on board 326 ocean- going ships flying flags of more than 12 different maritime administrations, and about 901 officers and ratings served on passenger vessels plying within the river trade area.
The Marine Department Seafarers' Certification Section monitors training provided to seafarers and examines candidates for the issue of certificates of competency. The section works closely with various training institutions in the training of seafarers.
Civil Aviation
Hong Kong is a major international and regional aviation centre. The Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) is also one of the busiest in the world.
Air Traffic in 2000
The year saw continued strong growth in both passenger and cargo throughput at the HKIA. In 2000, a total of 32.1 million passengers (excluding 1.24 million in transit) passed through the HKIA, an increase of 10.6 per cent from 1999. The airport also handled 2.24 million tonnes of cargo valued at $862.2 billion, representing a growth of 13.5 per cent and 29.8 per cent respectively over 1999. Aircraft movements increased by 8.7 per cent in 2000 to a total of 181 927, of which 75.6 per cent were wide-bodied aircraft. To cater for the increase in air traffic, the runway capacity was increased from 40 to 45 movements per hour starting from March.
Air transport continues to play an important role in Hong Kong's external trade. Goods carried by air accounted for about 29.4 per cent, 34.1 per cent and 22.5 per