(b)
(iii)
(iv)
(v)
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Merchant Shipping (Safety) (Fire Protection) (Ships Built On or After 1 September 1984) Regulations 1991;
Merchant Shipping (Safety) (Passenger Ship Construction) (Ships Built Before 1 September 1984) Regulations 1991; and
Merchant Shipping (Safety) (Passenger Ship Construction and Survey) (Ships Built On or After 1 September 1984) Regulations 1991.
All the above Regulations are made under the Merchant Shipping The (Safety) Ordinance, Cap. 369 and were enacted in 1991. Regulations specify the requirements for structural fire protection, prevention of fire spread through ventilation system, fixed fire detection and extinguishing systems, restriction on the use of low flash point fuel, fire patrol, fire pumps, fire mains, portable fire extinguishers, fire fighting gear, fire control plans etc.
Moreover, in view of the special design of DSC, IMO adopted a Code of Safety for Dynamically Supported Craft (DSC Code) in 1977 specifying safety standards for DSC. At present, the Code, which sets out the requirements on the design and construction of DSC, is applied administratively in Hong Kong. Regarding fire prevention facilities in particular, the Code stipulates requirements covering similar aspects as those for passenger craft, but differing in details to suit the design features of DSC.
The design features of a passenger craft are examined by Marine Department and confirmed to be in compliance with the requirements before construction of the vessel is commenced. It will then be inspected during and upon completion of construction before it enters into service. Once in service, annual surveys will be carried out to ensure that the structural details and equipment are maintained in satisfactory condition. Further spot checks are conducted to ensure compliance with the requirements. With these measures in place, we can confirm that these passenger craft maintain a very high safety standard and so far no prosecution action has been taken.