ENG-1955 — Page 212

COMMUNICATIONS

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The large decrease in cargo loaded by river steamers is attributable to continued curtailment of trade with China.

In addition to all modern aids to navigation, the Government maintains a 24-hour ship-shore visual signalling system covering all berths in the harbour. The signal stations at Waglan and Green Island (E. and W. ap- proaches) are equipped with radio telephony, and notice is given of expected arrivals so that no time is lost in an endeavour to maintain the quick turn-round of shipping. The rapid handling of ships at buoys and anchorages is further assisted by the use of radio telephone by stevedoring, lighterage and shipping companies. This enables vessels to be connected quickly to the shore telephone service.

Both eastern and western entrances to the harbour are provided with quarantine anchorages, where the doctors on duty are in radio telephone communication with the shore signal stations.

Pilotage is not compulsory in Hong Kong waters, but pilots are always available at reasonable charges.

Hong Kong maintains its eminence as a seaport with a high reputation for efficiency amongst shipowners, char- terers, shippers and seamen. Cargoes are handled at the wharves with modern equipment and facilities, and in the harbour by lighters and junks in the time-honoured way, but the statistics of cargo handled speak for themselves. The Marine Department maintains efficient harbour services, but without the aptitude and efficiency of local organizations and labour the rapid turn-round of ships could not be achieved.

Ship-repairing remains Hong Kong's major industry (see chapter on Industry and Trade). All new construction is carried out under survey by government surveyors, under the Director of Marine, or by the classification societies, of which Lloyd's Register and the American Bureau maintain exclusive surveyors, or by other societies represented by long-established firms of general surveyors. During the year more than 200 vessels of eleven nationalities utilized the services of Marine Department surveyors in matters of survey and documentation, as required by the International Convention for Safety of Life at Sea.