ENG-1968 — Page 257

COMMUNICATIONS

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direct to terminals, other than the limiting draft at the berths them- selves. Although pilotage is not compulsory, it is recommended on account of the density of traffic, new reclamations and harbour works.

Quarantine and immigration formalities are carried out at the eastern and western quarantine anchorages. Port health and immi- gration launches are on duty day and night in the eastern anchorage, and from 6.30 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. in the western anchorage. Ships are cleared as soon as they arrive and, in the case of large passenger ships, immigration processing is continued en route to the berths to reduce inconvenience to passengers. Radio pratique is granted in certain cases. This concession is of prime importance to the operators of oil tankers as it allows discharge to start as soon as the ship is berthed.

The signal stations at Waglan Island and in the harbour are manned continuously, and all ships movements are reported to the Port Control Office, where staff are on constant call to deal with queries and emergencies. The signal stations in the harbour are connected to Port Control by a teleprinter system, whilst the Signal Station at Marine Department Headquarters is connected to Cable and Wireless Limited and the Royal Observatory on the teleprinter circuit. The signal stations are also in contact by radio-telephone with Marine Department and Port Health launches, and with other government departments by landline. Ships at buoys are able to hire radio-telephones from Cable and Wireless Limited which link up with the public telephone service. Ships at the main commercial wharves can be connected direct to the Telephone Company's lines. It is hoped that during the first half of 1969 a modified Hague Plan, Port Operations Service will be introduced to Hong Kong.

As a port service, a fleet of fire floats is operated by the Fire Services Department. It includes the fireboat Alexander Grantham, possibly the largest of its kind afloat. These fire boats in addition to their routine duties have proved invaluable in combating oil pollution by dispersing emulsifying chemicals in times of emergency. Many government and commercial tugs are also fitted with fire- fighting equipment. A fleet of scavenger sampans, controlled by a mother ship equipped with a radio telephone on the Marine Depart- ment net work, operate in the harbour collecting refuse and debris.