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"The Marine Department will use a 'radar gun', a portable speed detector for use in maritime environment, to gather evidence of speeding offences," Mr Lau said,

"In addition conventional methods will also be employed in the exercise," Mr Lau said.

Launches from the two departments will set up checkpoints at strategic locations along the fairway to monitor speed engaged by the vessels in the area.

Mr Lau hoped that the week-long educational exercise will drive home the safety messages to vessel operators.

"If they fail to follow the rules of the road strictly, officers from the two departments will take enforcement action as a final course of action," he warned.

Also briefing the media was the Assistant Divisional Commander (Operations) of the Marine Police Harbour Division, Mr Kong Sai-cheong.

Mr Kong said that offenders will be prosecuted when the operation enters its second phase on April 29.

Vessel operators found contravening COLREG will be summonsed and may face maximum fine of $25,000 upon conviction.

Masters, coxswains and persons-in-charge of vessels are advised to observe the following good practices of seamanship:

To maintain a constant and proper lookout by sight and hearing as well as by all available means to determine whether there is a risk of collision;

To proceed at a safe speed appropriate to the circumstances and not to exceed the maximum permitted speed;

Not to enter marine works areas;

To keep the Tsim Sha Tsui Light Buoy on the port side when proceeding along the Hung Hom Fairway;

To use proper sound signals whenever it is required to do so;

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