ENG-2001 — Page 324

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TRANSPORT

Shipping Register and Hong Kong's participation in the International Maritime Organisation.

The Marine Department's web site provides a wide range of information on the port and the Hong Kong Shipping Register. The home page also carries Marine Department notices and gives details of the department's services and facilities. Special features include a Hong Kong Shipping Directory in which Hong Kong-based marine services companies are listed, real-time movements of ocean-going vessels (OGVs) and river-trade cargo vessels in port, examination schedules for seafarers and verification of Port Clearance Permits issued to OGVs. Certain port formalities can be processed through the Internet.

Vessel Traffic Management

The Vessel Traffic Centre (VTC) of the Marine Department provides vessel traffic services to vessels of 300 gross tonnes and above, which are all required to participate in the Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) and follow the VTC's directions.

The movements of vessels participating in the VTS are regulated by the traffic centre through a computer-aided radar network, VHF communications and a database information system, which provides surveillance over 95 per cent of Hong Kong waters. The upgrading of the VTS system has been completed to cater for the continual growth and future demands in marine traffic.

Harbour Patrol and Local Control Stations

The Marine Department's Harbour Patrol Section (HPS) operates a fleet of 20 patrol launches and provides on-scene support to the Vessel Traffic Centre. The main duties. 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 2002.

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.

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, whose membership covers 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.