ENG-2016 — Page 274

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Transport

Harbour Patrol and Local Control Station

The department's Harbour Patrol Section operates 28 patrol launches to enforce marine legislation, maintain safety of the port and shipping, and respond to marine emergencies. Its local traffic control station in Kwai Chung, equipped with a dedicated patrol launch, provides information and traffic organisation services to vessels in the vicinity of the Kwai Chung-Tsing Yi container port area.

Pilotage

Pilotage is compulsory in Hong Kong waters for any vessel of 3,000 gross tonnage and above, oil tankers of 1,000 gross tonnage and above, and all gas carriers. The Director of Marine, as the pilotage authority, regulates and monitors pilotage services in consultation with the Pilotage Advisory Committee.

Hydrographic Services

The Hydrographic Office carries out hydrographic surveys and produces nautical charts, electronic navigational charts and other publications to facilitate the navigation of vessels in Hong Kong waters. It also provides Notices to Mariners for updating the charts once every two weeks, as well as real-time information about tides, forecasts about tidal streams and predictions about the Ma Wan transit tidal window through the internet.

Immigration and Quarantine

Immigration and quarantine services for ships are available at the Western and Eastern quarantine and immigration anchorages. An immigration service is also available at the Tuen Mun Immigration Anchorage for river-trade vessels. Shipping agents may apply for immigration and quarantine services, including advance clearance, for ships.

Carriage of Dangerous Goods

The Marine Department conducts random shipboard inspections of vessels in Hong Kong waters according to international and local standards.

Local Vessels Safety Certification

The department's Local Vessels Safety Section provides survey and certification services for local vessels to make sure they comply with safety and pollution prevention requirements.

Port Security

All designated port facilities in Hong Kong comply fully with the IMO's International Ship and Port Facility Security Code. The Marine Department implements the code, including monitoring the training and qualifications of the port facilities' security personnel, as well as security exercises and drills conducted at the port facilities, and carrying out annual audits of port facility security arrangements.

Marine Industrial Safety

The department's Marine Industrial Safety Section enforces safety requirements on works carried out on board vessels, including cargo handling, ship repair and marine construction,

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