Port Administration
The Marine Department administers the port. Its principal
function is to ensure safety of navigation and efficiency of
shipping activities in Hong Kong waters. This is achieved by
comprehensive traffic management, harbour patrol, vessel
traffic services, provision of mooring buoys and rigorous
enforcement of major international maritime conventions.
Advice from users and operators of port facilities is an
important element in port administration. The department
maintains close liaison with shipping and commercial
organisations through a number of advisory committees.
These include the Shipping Consultative Committee, which
advises on the efficient operation of the Hong Kong Shipping
Register and Hong Kong's effective participation in the
International Maritime Organisation; the Port Operations
Committee, which is concerned with the operational needs of
the ports; the Pilotage Advisory Committee, which advises on
all matters relating to marine pilotage services; and the
Provisional Local Vessel Advisory Committee, which advises
on local craft matters.
The Marine Department's home page on the Internet, launched
in January 1996, provides information on the port and the
Hong Kong Shipping Register, on services and facilities
provided by the department and various marine department
notices. A Hong Kong Shipping Directory providing
information on marine services companies based in Hong
Kong, and real-time shipping movements in the port are also
available on the home page. From September 1, 1997, certain
port formalities can also be processed via the Internet.
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