XN000022-1996-01-25 — Page 18

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"If they ignore our appeals and warnings, officers from the two departments will definitely take enforcement action against them when the one-week grace period expires on February 5," he said.

"We hope to send them a clear message that we will not tolerate the non- compliance of the rules on safe navigation," he said.

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

Last (1995) year, the Marine Department prosecuted 22 people for breaching COLREG.

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; and

When vessels engaged in towing:

The tow line should not exceed the length of the vessel being towed or two and a half times the length of the towing vessel, whichever is greater and in no circumstances other than in an emergency should a tow line be longer than 100 metres;

Appropriate lights and signals must be displayed; and