ENG-2003 — Page 321

TRANSPORT

Hydrographic Service

The Hydrographic Office carries out hydrographic surveys and produces bilingual nautical charts and publications. It also produces Electronic Navigational Charts. Notices to Mariners for updating of charts are issued once every two weeks. The office also provides real-time tidal information and tidal stream predictions through the Internet (http://www.hydro.gov.hk).

Port Planning and Development

The department's Planning and Development Branch provides professional advice on port and marine projects, and coordinates publicity on all marine development works. These include CT9, the Hong Kong Disneyland and West Kowloon Cultural District projects, developments in Tuen Mun Area 38, South-East Kowloon and Tseung Kwan O, and the proposed new links to the Pearl River Delta.

The Planning and Development Branch is also the executive arm of the Designated Authority to implement the IMO's International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code in respect of port facilities in Hong Kong. The main tasks include assessing the security assessments and security plans of port facilities that are required to comply with the ISPS Code and undertaking the annual audit of these assessments and plans.

Safety Guide and Code of Practice on Cargo Handling

A Safety Guide for Container Handling is available from the Marine Department for cargo operators to enhance marine industrial safety. The Safety Guide provides guidance on matters such as managing safety at work, safety procedures for working on the top of containers and personal protective clothing and equipment. The Safety Guide will become a Code of Practice after the Merchant Shipping (Local Vessels) Ordinance enters into force (expected in 2004). A new Code of Practice for Strength Calculations, Test and Examination of Derrick Cranes on Local Vessels will also be ready for issue in 2004.

Port Services and Facilities

Mainland and Macau Ferry Services

The department manages two cross-boundary ferry terminals: the China Ferry Terminal (CFT) with 13 berths and the Macau Ferry Terminal (MFT) with 12 berths. The CFT is open from 7 am to 10 pm daily and the MFT operates round-the-clock.

Immigration and Quarantine Services

Immigration and quarantine services are available at the Western Quarantine and Immigration Anchorage and the Eastern Quarantine and Immigration Anchorage. A shipping agent may apply for immigration and quarantine services, including advance clearance, for a ship.

The Tuen Mun Immigration Anchorage operates 24 hours daily for river trade vessels plying between Hong Kong and Pearl River Delta ports. Pre-arrival clearance (PAC) has been extended to Mainland River/Coastal Trade Vessels (MRCTVs). All MRCTVs may apply for the PAC facilities. MRCTVs operators who are interested in the scheme may submit applications to the Harbour Control Section of the Immigration Department.

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