ENG-2000 — Page 311

TRANSPORT

of the patrol launches are law enforcement and maintenance of port and shipping safety, as well as responding to maritime emergencies.

In addition, the Marine Department operates two local traffic control stations at Gemini Point and Kwai Chung Container Terminal 8. These stations, manned 24 hours a day and equipped with a dedicated patrol launch, provide navigational assistance to vessels in their respective vicinity. For enhanced traffic controls in the Western Fairway, a surveillance station is planned at Green Island for mid-2002.

Educational Seminars and Marine Safety Campaign

The Marine Department continues to organise educational seminars and marine safety campaigns both in Hong Kong and in the Mainland, the latter in liaison with the authorities or shipping companies there. Through these activities, shipmasters and vessel operators are regularly updated with the latest port developments and safety procedures. This forms a major part of the department's continuing programme to ensure safe and efficient operation of the port of Hong Kong.

Pilotage Service

Pilotage is compulsory in Hong Kong waters for vessels of 3 000 gross tonnes and above, oil tankers of 1 000 gross tonnes and above, and all gas carriers.

The Director of Marine is the authority regulating and monitoring the pilotage service through the assistance of the Pilotage Advisory Committee, with membership covering a wide spectrum of port users and shipping interests.

Pilotage service is provided through the Hong Kong Pilots Association, which is a private company. The service is available around the clock throughout the year.

Hydrographic Office

The Hydrographic Office carries out hydrographic surveys and produces bilingual nautical charts. The office also issues Notices to Mariners for updating of charts. Prototype electronic navigational charts have been developed and are being tested and calibrated.

Carriage of Dangerous Goods

The Dangerous Goods Inspection Team of the Marine Department conducts random shipboard inspection of vessels in the waters of Hong Kong in accordance with international and local standards. The dangerous goods legislation is being revised with a view to bringing it into conformity with the requirements of the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code.

Public Cargo Working Areas

The Marine Department manages eight Public Cargo Working Areas (PCWAs) for public use. Berths in these sites are allocated to cargo operators through tendering. As part of a management reform programme, automatic vehicle control systems are being introduced to replace manned entry/exit controls in the PCWAS. During the year, such systems were installed in the Stonecutters Island and Tuen Mun PCWAS.

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