ENG-1952 — Page 182

HONG KONG ANNUAL REPORT, 1952

Aids to navigation are of the latest type and are constantly being improved. A new direction-finding system for shipping and aircraft is being installed on Waglan Island and it is hoped that it will be in opera- tion in the near future.

There are two large commercial shipbuilding and ship repairing yards in the Colony, and these are equipped to undertake new building up to 500 feet length, and the docking of ocean-going ships up to 750 feet length. Repairs of all kinds to hulls and machinery can be undertaken, and the yards are equipped to handle heavy lifts up to 150 tons. During the year an aggre- gate of 1,350,000 gross tons of shipping were docked for repair and overhaul; an additional 5,000,000 gross tons was serviced afloat. There are a few smaller establishments capable of slipping vessels up to 200 feet or so in length, as well as about 200 other establishments which provide similar facilities for small harbour craft, junks and other boats. All the major classification societies are represented in the Colony by resident surveyors, and Government surveyors are appointed to deal with matters arising from the inter- national convention for the safety of life at sea.

Civil Aviation

Hong Kong airport is situated on the mainland at Kai Tak, about four miles from the centre of Kowloon City. This airport is suitable for both land and seadrome operations under a centralized control. The Department of Civil Aviation provides facilities for air traffic control, telecommunications, air navigational, safety and air/sea rescue services. An Air Advisory Board, with the Director of Civil Aviation as chairman, advises the Governor on matters of policy, and an Air Transport Licensing Authority deals with the issue of

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