276 Transport
In November 2011, the department's Pollution Control Unit organised a large- scale, oil spill clean-up drill with participants from government departments and local oil companies. The purpose of the drill was to test the oil spill response preparedness of the government and private sector in handling major oil spills from ships.
Cleansing of Maritime Hazardous and Noxious Substances (HNS) Spillage
Maritime HNS spillage cleansing is a new service introduced in the fourth quarter of 2011. The service is carried out by a private contractor under an outsourcing arrangement with the Marine Department. The contractor is also required to clean up marine oil spills in Hong Kong waters.
Shipping
Hong Kong Shipping Register
The Hong Kong Shipping Register (HKSR), administered by the Marine Department, is regarded highly as a world-class register providing excellent services.
The HKSR continued to attract quality ships in 2011. The total gross tonnage of ships registered in Hong Kong was over 68 million, making the HKSR one of the top four shipping registers in the world.
To maintain high standards, the department conducts a Pre-registration Quality Control (PRQC) assessment of ships intending to join the register and implements a Flag State Quality Control (FSQC) System to ensure ships on the register comply with international standards. In 2011, the department's surveyors carried out a total of 14 PRQC inspections and made 69 FSQC visits to ships and related companies.
As a result of these quality control measures, the Port State Control detention rate of Hong Kong-registered ships remained well below the world average, which enabled the Hong Kong flag to maintain its position among the top performance flags in the white list established by Tokyo Memorandums of Understanding (MoU) of Port State Control; and is classified as low risk ships under the Paris MoU. In addition, Hong Kong also acquires the status of Qualship 21 of the United States Coast Guard.
Marine Accident investigations
The Marine Department's Marine Accident Investigation and Shipping Security Policy Branch (MAISSPB) investigates all serious ship related accidents occurred on Hong Kong-registered ships and in Hong Kong waters. The purpose of the investigation is to identify the possible causes of accidents and recommend preventive measures against recurrences. In 2011, the MAISSPB investigated 19 serious accidents. To promote maritime safety, investigation reports of all serious accidents are posted on the department's website.
The Chief Executive may order a public inquiry by a Marine Court for serious accident that has a public interest. For accidents involving licensed pilots, a Board of Investigation may be ordered by the Director of Marine. In 2011, the MAISSPB investigated 17 serious accidents.