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HONG KONG ANNUAL REPORT
feet, whilst the western entrance now provides a channel for vessels not exceeding 30 feet, the previous limit having been 24 feet. Pilotage is not compulsory but is advisable due to large-scale reclamation and harbour-works which are now in progress.
Each entrance is covered by a Quarantine Examination Anchor- age with Port Health launches on duty from 7 a.m. to sunset in summer and 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. in winter, whilst radio pratique may be granted in certain cases. This arrangement prevents unnecessary movements within the crowded Harbour. Immigra- tion formalities and such customs inspections as may be necessary are also completed at quarantine anchorages so that passengers are free to go ashore as soon as vessels have reached their final berth.
Ship/shore communications are provided by three Signal Stations, each manned continuously and fitted with modern day- light signal lamps which provide coverage for all anchorages within the Harbour and its approaches. In addition, Waglan Lighthouse operates a Signal Station equipped with a radiotele- phone which enables the first information of all vessels sighted in the eastern approaches to be passed immediately to the Port Authorities, owners and agents. Radiotelephones are also installed in Marine, Port Health, Police, Preventive Service and Fire Fight- ing launches. Sets may also be hired commercially with a direct connexion to the land telephone system.
The internal security of the Harbour and the waters of the Colony is maintained by the Marine Division of the Hong Kong Police, who man and operate a fleet of twenty five Police Launches. All these launches are in radiotelephone communication with the Control Room at Police Headquarters.
The Fire Brigade maintains in constant readiness a modern ocean-going fire float, together with other fire fighting craft suitable for work in the shallower waters of the Colony. A new shallow- draught fire float is at present under construction.
Regular services are maintained by 18 shipping lines to Europe and the United Kingdom; 20 to the North American continent; 9 to Australia and New Zealand; as well as lines to Africa and South America, and innumerable lines to Asian ports from Yokohama to Karachi. Moreover the attractive and efficient
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