ENG-1989 — Page 273

TRANSPORT

of Hong Kong, was put into a preliminary voluntary participation mode intended to last for a period of 12 months, by which time participation will be mandatory in accordance with new legislation which will augment existing provisions. The VTS replaced and took over the functions of the Port Communications Centre, including its control functions.

The department's launches patrol the main harbour area and its approaches. They are in continuous radio contact with the Vessel Traffic Centre, thereby enabling them to respond to any emergency and fulfil the executive functions of the duty officer in the centre. Well-equipped fleets of fire boats, tugs and marine police vessels are also readily available to respond to emergencies in the harbour.

The Marine Department, by international agreement, is the Maritime Search and Rescue Co-ordinator for the area of the South China Sea north of latitude 10°N and west of longitude 120°E, excluding the immediate coastal waters of neighbouring states. The Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre can be manned at any time on receipt of an emergency message through the various emergency communications channels which are continuously monitored, and a full search and rescue mission can then be activated and run by staff fully trained in search and rescue techniques. Various search and rescue units are available in the form of vessels, aircraft (both fixed and rotary wing), and additional assistance can be obtained from the Rescue Co-ordination Centre in the region.

Bunkering facilities within the port are readily available to all vessels at wharves, oil terminals, or from a large fleet of bunkering barges. Fresh water can also be provided at alongside berths, or from a private fleet of fresh-water boats.

The port has extensive facilities for repairing, dry-docking and slipping all types of vessels, including oil rigs. Vessels of up to 40 000 tonnes deadweight and 230 metres in length can be accommodated. A large number of minor shipyards are available to undertake repairs to small vessels, and are also equipped to build and maintain sophis- ticated patrol craft and pleasure vessels.

Hong Kong is a prominent centre for shipowning, ship financing and ship management activities. Most local shipowners and connected businesses are represented by the Hong Kong Shipowners' Association, whose members control a significant percentage of the world's tonnage. At the end of 1989, the association members' fleet stood at 1330 ocean-going vessels totalling 64.5 million deadweight tons or 35.9 million gross registered tons, some 10 per cent of which is registered with the port of Hong Kong. The association is either a member of or works closely with all significant international maritime bodies to contribute and share in major developments concerning merchant shipping worldwide. Its membership stands at 175 local companies which employ over 20 000 persons. The association has undertaken a major role in preparation for the new autonomous Hong Kong Register of Shipping.

The regulatory control, safety standards and international certification of ships registered in Hong Kong is the responsibility of the Shipping Divison of the Marine Department.

Hong Kong remains a British port of registry, with a total fleet of 6.4 million gross registered tons on the register last year. Statutory surveys for these vessels are undertaken worldwide by surveyors of the Shipping Division for the issue of certificates in accordance with the requirements of international conventions relating to maritime safety and pollution prevention as promulgated by the International Maritime Organisation and International Labour Organisation. The division also provides a similar service to United Kingdom and foreign ships visiting Hong Kong.

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