Transport 265
matters while the Shipping Consultative Committee gives advice on operating 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 the application of Really Simple Syndication (RSS) to publish frequently updated Merchant Shipping Notices; 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; and port and maritime statistics providing the latest monthly and quarterly statistics on vessel arrivals, cargo and container throughput. 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 participating in the Vessel Traffic Service. Under the arrangement, the movements of vessels are regulated by the VTC through a computer-aided radar network, VHF radios 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 for the VTC. Apart from responding to maritime emergencies, the main duties of the patrol launches 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.
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 to conform 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 more, oil tankers of 1 000 gross tonnes and more, and all gas carriers.
The Director of Marine is the authority regulating and monitoring the pilotage service with the assistance of the Pilotage Advisory Committee, which has a membership comprising a wide spectrum of port users and shipping interests. The
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