Chapter 15: Communications
THE Colony of Hong Kong owes its existence to its position as a major communications centre on the China Coast. Although in the course of the years the emphasis has partly shifted from purely entrepôt and other commercial activities to the development of local industries, the Colony still depends greatly upon the efficient organization and control of facilities for shipping, aircraft, rail and road transport, postal services and telecommunications.
MARINE
The Port of Victoria is renowned not only for the beauty of its natural features, but also for its excellent port facilities and handling rate, which are, comparable with those of any other first-class port.
The Director of Marine is responsible for the administration of the Port. Acting in close co-operation with local commercial interests represented on advisory Port Committees, the Marine Department seeks continuously to stimulate the achievement of ever higher standards in all Port operations.
The Port is well equipped with modern aids to navigation, both in the approaches and within the Harbour area, and all lights have been fully re-established and modernized since the war. At Waglan Island there is a light with a visibility of 21 miles together with a diaphone fog signal; a powerful electric oscillator fog signal is now in use at Tathong Point; and the light installed on Green Island at the western end of the Harbour has a visibility of 16 miles.
A radio beacon and appropriately spaced radar reflectors mark the main approach to Hong Kong, thus enabling ships to enter at all times. The Harbour itself is well lighted and singularly free from submerged dangers. The eastern entrance can be used by ocean-going vessels with a draught not exceeding 36 feet, whilst the western entrance now provides a depth of 28 feet at low water, the previous depth having been 24 feet. Pilotage is not compulsory
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.