ENG-2004 — Page 338

288 Transport

port facilities can provide their advice in relation to port administration matters through these channels. The Port Operations Committee advises on all matters related to the efficient operation of the port, the Pilotage Advisory Committee on matters related to pilotage services, and the Port Area Security Advisory Committee on port security. Besides these, the Provisional Local Vessel Advisory Committee deals with local craft matters and the Shipping Consultative Committee advises on efficient operation of the Hong Kong Shipping Register (HKSR) and Hong Kong's participation in the International Maritime Organisation (IMO).

The Marine Department's website (www.mardep.gov.hk) provides a wide range of information on the port and the HKSR. 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. 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. Phase II of the system, providing for more eBusiness facilities, will be developed in 2005.

Vessel Traffic Management

The department's Vessel Traffic Centre (VTC) provides 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 provide full surveillance of all navigable waters in Hong Kong. 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 VTC. 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.

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.