ENG-2003 — Page 320

TRANSPORT

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vessels in port, examination schedules for seafarers and verification of Port Clearance Permits issued to OGVs. Applications for certain port formalities can be submitted over the Internet. Phase I of a new electronic business portal - the Marine Department eBusiness System - was launched in December, permitting some 35 types of online submissions for notification or application.

Vessel Traffic Management

The department's Vessel Traffic Centre (VTC) provides vessel traffic services to vessels which are 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 VTC 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 VTS system has been upgraded to cater for the continual growth and future demands in marine traffic.

Harbour Patrol and Local Control Stations

The Harbour Patrol Section 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 department operates a local traffic control station at Kwai Chung Container Terminal 8. The station, manned 24 hours a day and equipped with a dedicated patrol launch, provides navigational assistance to vessels in the vicinity. For enhanced traffic control in the Western Fairway, a surveillance station was set up and began operation in September.

Carriage of Dangerous Goods

The department conducts random shipboard inspections of vessels in Hong Kong waters in accordance with international and local standards. The dangerous goods legislation is being revised with a view to bringing it into conformity with the new 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 round-the-clock throughout the year.

Local Craft

In 2003, 13 300 local craft - including passenger vessels, cargo vessels, fishing vessels and pleasure vessels - were licensed in Hong Kong to provide a variety of efficient and continuous services for the port as well as the community. The department plans to introduce new legislation in 2004 with a view to rationalising the licensing and management of these vessels.