ENG-2004 — Page 339

Transport 1 289

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 2004, 13 900 local craft -including passenger, cargo, fishing and pleasure vessels - were licensed in Hong Kong to provide a variety of efficient and continuous services for the port and the community. The department plans to introduce new legislation in 2005 with a view to rationalising the licensing and management of these vessels.

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).

Planning, Development and Port Security

The department's Planning, Development and Port Security Branch provides professional advice on port and marine projects, and coordinates publicity on all marine development works. These include CT9, West Kowloon Cultural District project, developments in Tuen Mun Area 38, Central, Wanchai, south-eastern Kowloon and Tseung Kwan O, and the proposed new links to the Pearl River Delta.

The Planning, Development and Port Security Branch is also the executive arm of the Designated Authority (DA) to implement the IMO's International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code in respect of port facilities in Hong Kong. Prior to July 1, 2004, the date on which the ISPS Code came into force internationally, the branch had completed assessing the security plans of the relevant port facilities for approval by the DA. Future tasks include monitoring the security exercises and drills conducted by port facilities and undertaking the annual audit of the security 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 atop 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 2005). A new Code of Practice for Strength Calculations, Test and Examination of Derrick Cranes on Local Vessels and other codes of practice will also be ready for issue and application in 2005.