TRANSPORT
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Vessel Traffic Management
The Vessel Traffic Centre (VTC) of the Marine Department provides vessel traffic services to vessels of 300 gross tonnes and above, which are required to participate in the Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) and follow the VTC's directions.
The movements of vessels participating in the VTS are regulated by the VTC through a computer-aided radar network, VHF communications and a database information system, which provides surveillance over 95 per cent of Hong Kong waters. The VTS system has been upgraded to cater for the continual growth and future demands in marine traffic.
Harbour Patrol and Local Control Stations
The Marine Department's Harbour Patrol Section operates a fleet of 20 patrol launches and provides on-scene support to the Vessel Traffic Centre. The main duties of the patrol launches are law enforcement and maintenance of port and shipping safety, as well as responding to maritime emergencies.
In addition, the Marine Department operates two local traffic control stations at Gemini Point and Kwai Chung Container Terminal 8. These stations, manned 24 hours a day and equipped with a dedicated patrol launch, provide navigational assistance to vessels in their respective vicinity. For enhanced traffic controls in the Western Fairway, a surveillance station is under construction for completion in May 2003.
Carriage of Dangerous Goods
The Dangerous Goods Inspection Team of the Marine Department conducts random shipboard inspection of vessels in the waters of Hong Kong in accordance with international and local standards. The dangerous goods legislation is being revised with a view to bringing it into conformity with the requirements of the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code.
Pilotage Service
Pilotage is compulsory in Hong Kong waters for vessels of 3 000 gross tonnes and above, oil tankers of 1 000 gross tonnes and above, and all gas carriers.
The Director of Marine is the authority regulating and monitoring the pilotage service through the assistance of the Pilotage Advisory Committee, whose membership covers a wide spectrum of port users and shipping interests.
Pilotage service is provided through the Hong Kong Pilots Association, which is a private company. The service is available round-the-clock throughout the year.
Local Craft
In 2002, 13 000 local craft and pleasure vessels — were licensed in Hong Kong to provide a variety of efficient and continuous services for the port. The Marine Department plans to introduce a set of new legislation in 2003 with a view to rationalising the licensing and management of these vessels.
including passenger vessels, cargo vessels, fishing vessels