disposal, information technology and communication services, auditing and tax advisory, and training services. The maritime sector contributes significantly to Hong Kong's economy and the job market.
Hong Kong is proactive in negotiating double taxation relief arrangements covering shipping income with its trading partners. It has so far succeeded in making such arrangements with 31 tax administrations, including Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Chile, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Hungary, Indonesia, Ireland, Japan, Jersey, Kuwait, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, the mainland of China, Malta, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Singapore, Spain, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, Thailand, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, and Vietnam.
Port Administration
The Marine Department administers the port. Its principal task is to ensure safety of navigation and efficiency of shipping activities in Hong Kong waters. This is achieved through comprehensive traffic management, harbour patrols, vessel traffic services, provision of mooring buoys and strict enforcement of rules and standards of the major international maritime conventions.
The department liaises closely with shipping and commercial organisations through a number of advisory and consultative committees. Through these channels, users and operators of port facilities can advise the Government on port administration matters. The Port Operations Committee advises on all matters related to efficient operation of the port, the Pilotage Advisory Committee on pilotage services, and the Port Area Security Advisory Committee on port security.
In addition, the Local Vessels Advisory Committee deals with matters related to local vessels, while the Shipping Consultative Committee advises on the operation of the Hong Kong Shipping Register (HKSR) and Hong Kong's participation in the International Maritime Organisation.
The department's website (www.mardep.gov.hk) provides a wide range of information on the port and the HKSR, such as Marine Department notices and details of the department's services and facilities.
Special features include the application of Really Simple Syndication (RSS) to publish frequently updated Hong Kong Merchant Shipping Notices, Hong Kong Merchant Shipping Information Notes and Marine Accident Investigation Reports; maritime security levels of the port and the Hong Kong-registered ships; the Hong Kong Shipping Directory in which Hong Kong-based marine services companies are listed; real-time movements of ocean-going vessels and non-convention vessels in port, including local vessels, river-trade, coastal and Macao vessels, and visiting yachts; examination schedules for seafarers; verification of Port Clearance Permits issued; allocation of approved berthing slots at the Hong Kong-Macao Ferry Terminal and the China Ferry Terminal; and port and maritime statistics providing the latest monthly and quarterly statistics on vessel arrivals, cargo and container throughput.
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