ENG-1993 — Page 299

TRANSPORT

The department also provides refuse collection and scavenging craft, which collect and scavenge some 5100 tonnes of refuse annually from ocean-going ships and Hong Kong waters.

The Chemical Waste Treatment Centre commissioned on Tsing Yi Island during the year provides, among other things, reception facilities for treating oily and chemical wastes from ships as required under the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL).

Port State Control

A total of 50 ocean-going ships visiting Hong Kong were inspected in 1993, to check compliance with international safety and environmental protection conventions. This represented about 0.9 per cent of ships visiting Hong Kong. Of the ships inspected, about 75 per cent required deficiencies to be made good before they could sail. Hong Kong supports international co-operation in maritime safety and in December 1993, signed an Asia-Pacific region Memorandum of Understanding on Port State Control to enhance the effectiveness of these inspections at sea.

Local Vessel Survey and Related Services

A plan-approval and safety survey service is provided for local vessels operating within the waters of Hong Kong. The requirements for the certification, safety and control of local craft are being rationalised to enhance safety, by clearly delineating the duties and responsibilities of owners, operators and the government.

A free inspection and advice service is provided to promote safe working practices in ship repairing, ship-breaking and cargo-handling afloat.

Government Fleet

The Government fleet of about 330 powered vessels provided by the Marine Department is highly visible in the port. In addition to harbour patrol launches, fire boats and police vessels, the government has launches used for immigration, port health and customs clearance, and surveys of international shipping. The fleet also includes lighters, airport rescue craft, pollution control craft, floating clinics and launches for transporting government staff.

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All government vessels are specially designed to meet their users' needs. The department designs and procures new vessels, maintains the whole fleet, and mans and operates about 70 general purpose craft. In 1991, the government awarded a $300-million contract to an Australian shipbuilder for the construction of six police patrol and command launches. The six launches were delivered in 1992 and 1993.

Maritime Search and Rescue

By international agreement, the Marine Department 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 Search and Rescue Co-ordination Centre (MRCC) is manned con- tinuously and monitors all emergency communications channels. Radio communications equipment for the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) is also available and used in the centre. Search and rescue missions can be activated and run by

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