252 Transport
the Republic of Korea, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, the United Kingdom and the United States.
Port Administration
The Marine Department administers the port. Its principal task is to ensure safety of navigation and efficiency of shipping activities in Hong Kong waters. This is achieved through comprehensive traffic management, harbour patrols, vessel traffic services, provision of mooring buoys and strict enforcement of major international maritime convention rules and standards.
The department liaises closely with shipping and commercial organisations through a number of advisory and consultative committees. Through these channels, users and operators of port facilities can advise the Government on port administration matters. The Port Operations Committee advises on all matters related to efficient operation of the port, the Pilotage Advisory Committee on matters related to pilotage services, and the Port Area Security Advisory Committee on port security. In addition, the Local Vessel Advisory Committee deals with matters related to local vessels, while the Shipping Consultative Committee advises on the operation of the Hong Kong Shipping Register (HKSR) and Hong Kong's participation in the International Maritime Organisation.
The Marine Department's website (www.mardep.gov.hk) provides a wide range of information on the port and the HKSR, such as Marine Department notices and details of the department's services and facilities. Special features include the application of Really Simple Syndication to publish frequently updated Merchant Shipping Notices; the Hong Kong Shipping Directory in which Hong Kong-based marine services companies are listed; real-time movements of ocean-going vessels and river-trade cargo vessels in port; examination schedules for seafarers and verification of Port Clearance Permits issued to ocean-going vessels; and port and maritime statistics providing the latest monthly and quarterly statistics on vessel arrivals, cargo and container throughput.
The Marine Department eBusiness System, which permits online submission of port formality documents, is being improved to provide more eBusiness facilities, such as one-stop lodgment, online processing, e-printing of permit and e-payment, so as to offer a total e-Business solution.
Vessel Traffic Management
The department's Vessel Traffic Centre monitors and regulates the movements of vessels using the Vessel Traffic Service through a computer-aided radar network, VHF radios and a database information system, which together provide full surveillance of all navigable waters in Hong Kong.
Harbour Patrol and Local Control Stations
The Harbour Patrol Section operates a fleet of 20 patrol launches and provides on-site support for the Vessel Traffic Centre. Apart from responding to maritime emergencies, the patrol launches help enforce marine legislation and maintain port and shipping safety.