XN000022-1996-05-08 — Page 12

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He said: "They can cover a much greater area in a given number of patrol hours, and provide a faster response to an emergency than our previous boats."

These vessels will be deployed for patrolling and controlling marine traffic in Hong Kong waters, specifically in such places as typhoon shelters and fairways.

Marine inspectors on board will intercept and inspect boats for compliance with all navigational safety, licensing, and safety equipment requirements.

The fleet consists of five steel and seven glass reinforced fibre launches.

The steel launches replace the same number of post-World War II wooden tug boats while the glass reinforced fibre ones are replacements for nine small patrols boats which has now been in service for over 20 years.

Mr Dale said: "All the old launches have now excceded their useful life and are beyond economical repair.

"They were too slow and due to their age suffered considerable down time, causing frequent disruption to our patrol services."

Mr Dale noted that the new steel patrol launches, with their towing capabilities, were a crucial tool in the proper management of typhoon shelters hefore, during, and after the passage of a tropical cyclone.

"Apart from the day to day management of Hong Kong waters," he said, "these launches are essential in our efforts to promote marine safety."

For example, on May 3, in conjunction with the Marine Police, they completed

a two-week fairway rule enforcement exercise at Tsing Yi.

A total of 227 warnings were issued to local and river-trade vessels during the first week, and there were three prosecutions for infringement of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea.

"Another example." Mr Dale said, "is the Tin Hau Festival on May 10. At that time the Joss House Bay Temple will be full of worshippers most of whom will have come by boat.

"Marine traffic in Joss House Bay will dramatically increase and a number of these boats will be needed for control and safety purposes.

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