ENG-2005 — Page 321

Transport 275

Port Administration

The Marine Department administers the port. Its principal function is to ensure navigation safety and efficiency of shipping activities in the waters of Hong Kong. This is achieved by comprehensive traffic management, harbour patrols, vessel traffic services, the provision of mooring buoys and rigorous enforcement of major international maritime conventions.

The department liaises closely with shipping and commercial organisations through a number of advisory and consultative committees. Users and operators of port facilities can provide 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. In addition, the Provisional Local Vessel Advisory Committee deals with local craft matters and the Shipping Consultative Committee gives advice on operating the Hong Kong Shipping Register (HKSR) efficiently 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 the 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. The Marine Department eBusiness System was launched in December 2004 permitting 35 types of online submissions and is now being enhanced to provide more eBusiness facilities.

Vessel Traffic Management

The department's Vessel Traffic Centre (VTC) provides traffic services to vessels that are required to participate in the Vessel Traffic Service and follow the VTC's directions.

The movements of vessels participating in the traffic service 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 traffic service system has been upgraded to cater for the continual growth and future demands of 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 apart from responding to maritime emergencies are law enforcement and the maintenance of port and shipping safety.

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.