Vessel Traffic

The Marine Department's Vessel Traffic Centre (VTC) is responsible for
ensuring safe and efficient marine traffic flow in Hong Kong waters. All
vessels of 300 gross tonnes and above are required to participate in the
Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) and must follow VTC directions.

The movements of VTS participating vessels are directly regulated by the
VTC through a computer-based integrated radar surveillance system, a
database information system and VHF (very high frequency) radio
telephone communications. The system was enhanced in 1996 to increase
its vessel tracking capability. A new radar station is now under
construction in Mirs Bay which, when completed in 1998, will further
improve traffic surveillance in that area. Looking ahead, a complete
upgrading of the existing VTS system is planned for the early 2000's to
cope with anticipated growth in marine traffic into the next century.

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