ENG-1998 — Page 316

TRANSPORT

Educational Seminars and Marine Safety Campaign

In 1998, the Marine Department continued to organise educational seminars and marine safety campaigns on a regular basis. Aiming specially at local and river trade vessel operators and coxswains, these seminars and safety campaigns were conducted in Hong Kong and the mainland. This forms a major part of the department's continuing programme to ensure safe and efficient marine operations within the port.

Pilotage Service

Pilotage is compulsory in Hong Kong waters. Generally, vessels of 3 000 gross tonnes and above, oil tankers of 1000 gross tonnes and above and all gas carriers are required to engage a licensed pilot. Pilotage service in Hong Kong is provided through a private company, namely the Hong Kong Pilotage Association. The service. has 90 licensed pilots and is available around the clock throughout the year.

The Director of Marine is the authority regulating and monitoring the pilotage service. He achieves this through the assistance of the Pilotage Advisory Committee. It advises the Director of Marine on all matters concerning pilotage services and operations. The committee membership covers a wide spectrum of port users and shipping interests.

Hydrographic Office

The Hydrographic Office carries out hydrographic surveys and produces bilingual nautical charts. It also carries out surveys through two specially-designed vessels which are fitted with the latest type of equipment including multi-beam echo sounders. It is looking into the development of electronic navigational charts and is making good progress.

Dangerous Goods

A Dangerous Goods Information System has been developed to monitor all vessels carrying dangerous goods in Hong Kong waters. This system allows shipping agents to declare dangerous goods manifest via the Internet. In any accident involving ships carrying dangerous goods, rescue parties are able to identify immediately the substances being carried, establish the particular risks and initiate safe remedial actions to minimise the hazards to the people and environment.

Public Cargo Working Area

With a view to improving productivity and efficiency in cargo handling, the Public Cargo Working Area (PCWA) has been undergoing a two-phase management reform since 1995. The first phase, consisting of leasing out the berthing space through two tendering exercises, was completed in February in 1988. The second phase, consisting of rationalising the use of landside spaces, is expected to be completed shortly.

To provide a friendlier operating environment for the cargo operators, the Marine Department commissioned a consultancy study in March 1998 to review the shore- side operations of the Public Cargo Working Areas. The study was completed in May 1998 and the department is working on its recommendations.