ENG-2012 — Page 279

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Transport

In October 2012, the department's Pollution Control Unit organised a large-scale, oil spill clean- up drill with participants from government departments and local oil companies to test the preparedness of the government and the private sector in handling major oil spills from ships.

Cleansing of Maritime Hazardous and Noxious Substances (HNS) Spillage

Maritime HNS spillage cleansing is carried out by a private contractor under an outsourcing arrangement with the Marine Department. The contractor is also required to clean up marine oil spills in Hong Kong waters.

In November 2012, a joint departmental HNS spill response exercise was co-organised by the Marine Department and the Environmental Protection Department to test the Government's Maritime HNS Spill Response Plan.

Shipping

Hong Kong Shipping Register

In 2012, the total gross tonnage of ships registered with the Hong Kong Shipping Register (HKSR), administered by the Marine Department, rose to over 78 million. In July 2012, the HKSR ranked third among the world's top shipping registers. To maintain high standards, the Marine Department conducts a Pre-registration Quality Control (PRQC) assessment of ships intending to join the register and implements a Flag State Quality Control (FSQC) System to ensure ships. on the register comply with international standards. In 2012, the department's surveyors carried out seven PRQC inspections and made 86 FSQC visits to ships and related companies. As a result of these quality control measures, the Port State Control detention rate of Hong Kong- registered ships remained well below the world average, which enabled the Hong Kong flag to maintain its position among the top performance flags in the white list established by the Tokyo Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) of Port State Control; and for its ships to be classified as low risk under the Paris MoU. In addition, Hong Kong also holds the United States Coast Guard's 'Qualship 21' status.

Marine Accident Investigations

The Marine Department's Marine Accident Investigation and Shipping Security Policy Branch (MAISSPB) investigates all serious ship related accidents occurring on Hong Kong-registered ships and in Hong Kong waters. The purpose of the investigation is to determine the circumstances and the possible causes of the accident and recommend preventive measures against recurrences. In 2012, the MAISSPB investigated 23 serious accidents. To improve the public awareness of maritime safety, investigation reports of all serious accidents are published on the department's website.

The Chief Executive may order a public inquiry by a Marine Court or a Commission of Inquiry into a serious accident. For accidents involving licensed pilots, a Board of Investigation may be ordered by the Director of Marine.

Seafarers

The Marine Department's Shipping Registry and Seafarers Branch supervises the registration, employment, competence, discipline, health, safety and welfare of Hong Kong seafarers, as well

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