ENG-1993 — Page 298

TRANSPORT

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The number of vessels using the port and requiring pilotage is increasing rapidly. A Pilotage Review Consultancy Study was commissioned by the department in March, to review the present pilotage system and to make recommendations for any changes necessary to meet the needs of the port in the most efficient and cost-effective manner for the period 1994 to 2011.

The main recommendations of the consultants include shifting the present pilot boarding station located at Green Island to the outer entrance of East Lamma Channel; extending compulsory pilotage to all ships exceeding 3000 GRT; creating a corporate body responsible for pilotage services and all related matters; and establishing a close operational relationship between the VTS and pilots for improved efficiency and safety in the port. These recommendations are currently under examination and consideration by the department prior to implementation.

The department's launches patrol the main harbour area and its approaches, maintain order and respond to emergencies. They are in continuous radio contact with the VTS through the department's Vessel Traffic Centre (VTC). Well-equipped fleets of fire boats, tugs, oil-pollution control vessels and marine police launches are also available to respond to emergencies.

Immigration and quarantine services, including advance clearance, may be applied for by radio through the VTC. The Western Quarantine Anchorage provides these services round-the-clock while services are available between 6 am and 6 pm daily at the Eastern Quarantine Anchorage.

The department provides and maintains 76 mooring buoys within the port for ships to work cargo in the stream. The buoys can be booked through the VTC. There are two classes of buoys, suitable for vessels up to 137 and 183 metres in length. Most are typhoon moorings to which vessels may remain secured during tropical storms.

A large number of harbour craft are essential to the efficient running of the port. During the year, over 1 700 lighters and 400 motorised cargo boats transported cargo to and from ocean-going ships in the anchorages and at buoys in the harbour, and private or public cargo-working areas ashore. These are part of Hong Kong's 16 000 local vessels which include ferries, barges, workboats, fishing boats and pleasure vessels.

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

The port has extensive facilities for repairing, dry-docking and slipping all types of vessels of up to 150 000 deadweight tonnes, including oil rigs. Smaller shipyards are able to build and maintain workboats and pleasure vessels.

In the latter part of the year, the department initiated a prototype Dangerous Goods Control System in an attempt to establish more accurately the quantities and types of dangerous goods being moved into and out of Hong Kong. When the results of the prototype control system are established, the department will introduce a stricter control regime utilising the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code as a

cornerstone.

The increase in the number and size of ships visiting the port and the increasing pace of reclamation have increased the need for accurate and up-to-date hydrographic surveys and charts. The department is establishing its own hydrographic office to meet this demand.