ENG-2010 — Page 324

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third party auditors conduct comprehensive and objective assessments on how effectively member states discharge their responsibilities and obligations as flag, coastal and port states under various mandatory IMO instruments.

In March 2010, the audit for the Hong Kong Special Administration Region (HKSAR) was completed by three IMO appointed auditors from Australia, India and the Republic of Korea. The audit report revealed that the maritime administration of the HKSAR has been very effective in discharging its obligations under the relevant IMO instruments.

International Conference

A Hong Kong delegation comprising representatives from the Marine Department, the shipping industry, seafarers' organisations and training institutes attended the Diplomatic Conference held in Manila from June 21-25 to amend the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978 and the Seafarers' Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) code.

Port State Control

Hong Kong is a member of the Memorandum of Understanding on Port State Control (PSC) in the Asia-Pacific Region. The Marine Department participated in its various activities including leading the Technical Co-operation Advisory Group and as a member of five other working groups.

The department's PSC officers are well known for their professionalism and impartiality in conducting ship inspections. In 2010, the department continued to conduct daily PSC inspections, even at weekends whenever practicable. The officers conducted 734 inspections on ocean-going vessels, or 15 per cent of all ocean-going vessels that visited Hong Kong. About 3 per cent of ships inspected were detained because of serious deficiencies that needed immediate attention.

Maritime Search and Rescue

The Marine Department's Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre (MRCC) co-ordinates search and rescue operations for serious incidents in Hong Kong waters and within a large part of the South China Sea, covering some 450 000 square nautical miles of sea.

The centre is manned round-the-clock by professional staff and equipped with modern communications equipment. It is also aided by a shore-based Global Maritime Distress and Safety System.

In 2010, the centre handled 235 marine-related emergencies, 59 of which involved search and rescue operations. A total of 136 people were rescued.

In recognition of its expertise, the Hong Kong MRCC was chosen as a member of the international Maritime Organisation/International Civil Aviation Organisation Joint Working Group for Harmonisation of Maritime and Aeronautical Search and

Rescue.