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Transport

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 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.

The department's e-Business System provides a one-stop solution to simplify and speed up the submission and processing of port formalities, offering services such as online submission of applications, auto-approval for online applications, self printing of permits/certificates, online payment via auto-pay and online checking of application status.

Vessel Traffic Services

The 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, Very High Frequency radios and a dedicated information system with full coverage of all navigable waters in Hong Kong.

Harbour Patrol and Local Control Station

The department's Harbour Patrol Section operates a fleet of 25 patrol launches and provides on-site support for the Vessel Traffic Centre. The patrol launches help enforce marine legislation, maintain the safety of the port and shipping, as well as respond to marine emergencies.

The 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 and traffic organisation services 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. An effective notification system for monitoring dangerous goods carried by local vessels was implemented in July 2012.

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