ENG-2011 — Page 317

Transport 273

The Marine Department e-Business System, which provides a one-stop solution to simplify and speed up the submission and processing of port formalities, offers comprehensive e-Business services such as online submission of applications, auto- approval for online application, self printing of permits/certificates, online payment via auto-pay and online enquiry for application status.

Vessel Traffic Services

The Marine Department's Vessel Traffic Centre operates round-the-clock to monitor and regulate the movements of vessels by providing vessel traffic services. (VTS) with a modern VTS surveillance system, VHF radios and a dedicated information system to maintain full coverage of all navigable waters in Hong Kong.

Harbour Patrol and Local Control Station

The Harbour Patrol Section operates a fleet of 25 patrol launches and provides on-site support for the Vessel Traffic Centre. Apart from responding to maritime emergencies, the patrol launches help enforce marine legislation and maintain port and shipping safety.

The Marine Department's local traffic control station at Kwai Chung Container Terminal 8 operates round-the-clock. Equipped with a dedicated patrol launch, the station provides information service and traffic organisation service to vessels in the vicinity of the Kwai Chung-Tsing Yi container port area.

Carriage of Dangerous Goods

The Marine 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 International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code. An enhanced system for monitoring dangerous goods carried by local vessels will be introduced in April 2012.

Pilotage Service

Pilotage is compulsory in Hong Kong waters for vessels of 3 000 gross tonnage and above, oil tankers of 1 000 gross tonnage and above, and all gas carriers.

The Director of Marine is the pilotage authority, who regulates and monitors pilotage services with the assistance of the Pilotage Advisory Committee. The committee's membership covers a wide spectrum of port users and shipping interests. Pilotage services are provided round-the-clock throughout the year by a commercial company.

Local Vessels

In 2011, about 15 400 local vessels including passenger, cargo, fishing and pleasure vessels were licensed in Hong Kong to provide a variety of services for the port and the community. To improve the licensing and management of these vessels, the new Merchant Shipping (Local Vessels) Ordinance was enacted and came into force in January 2007.