XN000022-1995-01-11 — Page 5

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"As part of an ongoing exercise, we issue notices and information pamphlets to educate Chinese and local vessels to obey navigational and traffic rules when they use Traffic Separation Schemes and fairways in Hong Kong waters," Mr Pyrke said.

"To further drive home our messages, meetings with agents and relevant associations are also held," he added.

Mr Pyrke said high level discussions with relevant Chinese authorities may be required to persuade them to urge their vessels to comply with all the regulations and requirements of the Immigration Department, Customs and Excise Department, and Marine Department.

"The matter will be discussed with the relevant Chinese authorities through our regular informal meetings," he said.

As vessels from China usually did not carry documents to show that they were permitted to come to Hong Kong carrying sand from China, it was not possible to establish that they complied with all safety requirements, including the masters knowledge of Hong Kong waters and associated local regulations.

"It would appear that greater surveillance by the Marine Police, Marine Department and Chinese authorities is required to try and prevent these craft making unauthorised calls at Hong Kong," Mr Pyrke said.

"The Marine Department has stepped up its surveillance since the accident and action is in hand to prevent the operation of sand barges with improper documentation in Hong Kong waters," he said.

The MV "K H Chivalry" and sand barge "Guan Zhong Yun 255" collided off Wah Fu Estate in Aberdeen about 8.30 am on March 8.

The K H Chivalry sustained minor damage to her bulbous bow while the sand barge capsized after the collision. The Master and the Chief Officer of the barge died in the accident.

Note to Editors:

Summary of the report into the collision between the M V "K H Chivalry" and sand barge "Guan Zhong Yun 255" is available on request.

Those who wish to obtain a copy of the summary are requested to contact the Information and Public Relations Section of the Marine Department on tel 2852 4423 or 2852 4425 during office hours or 9493 8262 after office hours.

End/Wednesday, January 11, 1995