290 Transport
Port Services and Facilities
Mainland and Macao Ferry Services
The department manages two cross-boundary ferry terminals: the China Ferry Terminal (CFT) with 13 berths and the Macao Ferry Terminal (MFT) with 12 berths. The CFT is open from 7 am to 10 pm daily. From January 2005 onwards, the opening hours will be extended to 2 am on Saturday, Sunday and public holidays. The MFT operates round-the-clock.
Immigration and Quarantine Services
Immigration and quarantine services are available at the Western Quarantine and Immigration Anchorage and the Eastern Quarantine and Immigration Anchorage. A shipping agent may apply for immigration and quarantine services, including advance clearance, for a ship.
The Tuen Mun Immigration Anchorage operates 24 hours daily for river trade vessels plying between Hong Kong and Pearl River Delta ports. Pre-arrival clearance (PAC) has been extended to Mainland River/Coastal Trade Vessels (MRCTVs). All MRCTVs may apply for the PAC facilities. MRCTV operators who are interested in the scheme may submit applications to the Harbour Control Section of the Immigration Department.
Mooring Buoys
The department provides 29 mooring buoys in the harbour area for ship. operations. There are 19 class 'A' buoys for vessels up to 183 metres in length and 10 class 'B' buoys for vessels up to 137 metres in length. Booking of these mooring buoys is made through the VTC.
Bunkering
Bunkering is readily available at commercial wharves and oil terminals or from a large fleet of private bunkering barges. Fresh water may also be provided alongside berths or from a private fleet of water boats.
Ship Repair and Dry-docking
The port has extensive facilities for repairing, docking and slipping all types of vessels up to 300 metres in length and 42 metres in beam. Local shipyards are able to build and maintain ferries, cargo boats, workboats and pleasure vessels. The department's Marine Industrial Safety Section provides free services in carrying out safety inspections of vessels and issuing permits for vessels to undergo repairs. As part of its safety advisory service, the section publishes free leaflets and pamphlets that promote safe working practices in ship-repairing, ship-breaking and cargo- handling afloat as well as in marine construction work.
Local Vessels Safety Certification Service
The Local Vessel Safety Section provides a certification service for all types of local vessels, and some types of pleasure vessels, to ensure they comply with requirements in construction safety, life-saving appliances, fire-fighting equipment, light and sound signals, and anti-pollution installations. By mid-2005, when new