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"An exchange programme between the two neighbouring rescue co-ordination centres will enhance better understanding and eventually better deployment of resources on a regional level," Mr Dale said.
"My officers are already in daily contacts with their counterparts in Guangdong and they can just pick up the phone and call other by his first name.
"Nevertheless the exchange programme will enable the SAR controllers of the two centres to understand how the system work and team up better with each other."
The Hong Kong MRCC is responsible for the SAR operation both in Hong Kong waters and the area of South China Sea north of latitude 10 degrees north and west of longitude 120 degrees east, excluding the immediate coastal waters of neighbouring states.
Thirteen officers took part in the two-week course which is modelled on the United States Coast Guard Search and Rescue System. Among them are two marine officers from Macau while the others come from the Marine Department, the Police, Fire Services and the Government Flying Services.
Through regular training courses run by the Marine Department, Hong Kong maintains the necessary reserve of well qualified SAR mission controllers.
Besides keeping a pool of trained marine officers for MRCC, officers of the Marine Police, Government Flying Service and Fire Services on the course will find it useful as an additional tool in their professional activities.
The Hong Kong MRCC has full communications capability to undertake SAR missions for ships in difficulties within about 1,300 kilometres of Hong Kong and in handling of vessels emergencies within Hong Kong waters.
Hong Kong has done an excellent job in search and rescue operations which has earned praises from both the International Maritime Organisation and shipping companies.
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