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Mr Tsang said a vessel intending to use either of the piers was required to wait at a designated gathering area prior to berthing.
It would only be permitted to enter under the direction of Marine Department and Marine Police launches the sterile area from the east and depart from the west, he added.
He said the two landing steps at the western end of Kowloon Public Pier would be closed to all vessels until 9.30 pm.
Arrangements have been made to suspend the scheduled ferry services in the central harbour between 7.30 pm and 9 pm while some will be rescheduled as early as 6 pm and some will not resume normal until 9 pm.
Some ferry companies will use their vessels for watching the fireworks display. These larger size vessels will be positioned well to the east outside the restricted area, in the sea area between Hung Hom and Causeway Bay.
The Marine Department has published a Marine Department Notice No 13 of 1996 to give full details of the special marine control measures. Free copies of the notice are available from the Victoria Marine Office on the third floor, Harbour Building, 38 Pier Road, Hong Kong.
Mr Tsang strongly recommended those intending to sail their vessels into the central harbour on the fireworks display day to get copies of the notice and read it before commencing their voyages.
He also offered professional advice to masters, owners and operators of vessels.
Small vessels, particularly those with no decking, or small vessels of a length less than five metres should not proceed to or remain in the envisaged heavy traffic central harbour area in the evening of the fireworks display since such vessels are vulnerable to the wash from larger vessels.
Before proceeding on a voyage, a master should make sure that:
All persons know where the life saving appliances are and know how to put on life jackets properly. A practical demonstration is recommended.
All children should wear life jackets at all times.
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