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"The study is part of an on-going process to look at future needs based on forecast marine traffic growth and to improve our planning of the use of Hong Kong's waters," Mr Dale said.
He said his department aimed at providing an accident-free environment for marine operators but in reality no marine traffic system could eliminate all accidents as there would always be some vessel operators taking dangerous short cuts.
"It is the Marine Department's responsibility to police fairways to reduce to a minimum acts which contravene the rules, through advice, education, instruction, and if necessary prosecution," Mr Dale said.
"As Hong Kong's maritime trade expands and marine traffic levels rise, we must acknowledge that our waters must be subject to increasing level of control. Like our roads where we have one way systems, traffic lights, and clearways, I am implementing the marine equivalents," he added.
The Marine Department is implementing the necessary controls in Hong Kong waters. The first stages are in place. Others will follow.
Attention News Editors:
The Director of Marine, Mr Ian Dale, will give a press conference at 3 pm today (Tuesday) on marine safety issues.
Also present will be the acting Assistant Director of Marine/Port Services, Mr Barrie Hird, and Senior Surveyor/Shipping Casualty, Mr B B Rao.
It will be held at Conference Room A, Marine Department Headquarters, 22nd floor, Harbour Building, 38 Pier Road, Central, Hong Kong.
You are invited to attend.
End/Tuesday, April 18, 1995
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