TRANSPORT
services, provision of mooring buoys and rigorous enforcement of major international maritime conventions.
Advice from users and operators of port facilities is an important element in port administration. The department maintains close liaison with shipping and commercial organisations through a number of advisory committees. The Shipping Consultative Committee advises on the efficient operation of the Hong Kong Shipping Register and Hong Kong's effective participation in the International Maritime Organisation. In addition, the Port Operations Committee is concerned with the operational needs of the ports and the Pilotage Advisory Committee advises on all matters relating to marine pilotage services. The Provisional Local Vessel Advisory Committee advises on local craft matters.
The Marine Department's web site on the Internet, launched in January 1996, provides information on the port and the Hong Kong Shipping Register, on services and facilities provided by the department and various marine department notices. A Hong Kong Shipping Directory providing information on marine services companies based in Hong Kong, and real-time shipping movements in the port are also available on the home page. Certain port formalities can also be processed via the Internet. During the year, the department started putting up the Chinese version of its home. page to allow wider circulation.
Vessel Traffic Management
The Marine Department's Vessel Traffic Centre (VTC) is responsible for ensuring safe and efficient marine traffic flow in the waters of Hong Kong. All vessels of 300 gross tonnes and above are required to participate in the Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) and must follow VTC directions.
The movements of VTS participating vessels are directly regulated by the VTC through a computer-based integrated radar surveillance system, a database information system and VHF (very high frequency) radio telephone communications. The system was enhanced in 1996 to increase its vessel tracking capability and a new radar station in Mirs Bay has been commissioned in October 1998 to further improve traffic surveillance in that area. Looking ahead, a complete upgrading of the existing VTS system is planned for 2001 to cope with anticipated growth in marine traffic into the next century.
Harbour Patrol and Local Control Stations
The Marine Department's Harbour Patrol Section (HPS) operates a fleet of 19 patrol launches. It provides on-scene support to the VTC in the regulation of marine traffic. In continuous radio contact with the VTC, the HPS launches patrol the main harbour area, all port approaches and the restricted areas around the Hong Kong International Airport at Chek Lap Kok. Their main duties are to ensure safety of navigation and other marine activities as well as to respond to emergencies.
In addition, a local traffic control station at Gemini Point, together with a dedicated patrol launch, monitors the traffic using the Ma Wan Channel on a 24- hour basis and provides escort services to large vessels during their transit through the area. To further improve the Marine Department's traffic control functions, another local traffic control station is being established at the Kwai Chung Container Terminal 8. This station is expected to come into operation in late 1999.
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