Chapter 14: Port Administration

The Marine Department administers the port. Its principal function is to ensure safety of navigation and efficiency of shipping activities in the waters of Hong Kong. This is achieved by comprehensive traffic management, harbour patrol, vessel traffic service, provision of mooring buoys and rigorous enforcement of major international maritime conventions.

The department liaises closely with shipping and commercial organisations through a number of advisory and consultative committees. Users and operators of port facilities can provide their advice in relation to port administration matters through these channels. The Port Operations Committee advises on the efficient operation of the port and the Pilotage Advisory Committee advises on matters relating to pilotage services. Besides this, the Provisional Local Vessel Advisory Committee is concerned with the local craft matters and the Shipping Consultative Committee advises on the efficient operation of the Hong Kong Shipping Register and Hong Kong's participation in the International Maritime Organisation.

The Marine Department's web site http://www.info.gov.hk/mardep provides a wide range of information on the port and the Hong Kong Shipping Register. The home page also carries Marine Department notices and gives details of the department's services and facilities. Special features include a Hong Kong Shipping Directory in which Hong Kong-based marine services companies are listed, real-time movements of ocean-going vessels (OGVs) and river-trade cargo vessels in port, examination schedules for seafarers and verification of Port Clearance Permits issued to OGVs. Certain port formalities can be processed through the Internet.

The Vessel Traffic Centre (VTC) of the Marine Department provides vessel traffic services to vessels of 300 gross tonnes and above, which are all required to participate in the Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) and follow the VTC's directions.

The movements of vessels participating in the VTS are regulated by the traffic centre through a computer-aided radar network, VHF communications and a database information system, which provides surveillance over 95 per cent of Hong Kong waters. The upgrading of the VTS system has been completed to cater for the continual growth and future demands in marine traffic.

The Marine Department's Harbour Patrol Section (HPS) operates a fleet of 20 patrol launches and provides on-scene support to the Vessel Traffic Centre. The main duties of the patrol launches are law enforcement and maintenance of port and shipping safety, as well as responding to maritime emergencies.

In addition, the Marine Department operates two local traffic control stations at Gemini Point and Kwai Chung Container Terminal 8. These stations, manned 24 hours a day and equipped with a dedicated patrol launch, provide navigational assistance to vessels in their respective vicinity. For enhanced traffic controls in the Western Fairway, a surveillance station is planned at Green Island for 2002.

The Dangerous Goods Inspection Team of the Marine Department conducts random shipboard inspection of vessels in the waters of Hong Kong in accordance with international and local standards. The dangerous goods legislation is being revised with a view to bringing it into conformity with the requirements of the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code.

Pilotage is compulsory in Hong Kong waters for vessels of 3 000 gross tonnes and above, oil tankers of 1 000 gross tonnes and above, and all gas carriers.

The Director of Marine is the authority regulating and monitoring the pilotage service through the assistance of the Pilotage Advisory Committee, whose membership covers a wide spectrum of port users and shipping interests.

Pilotage service is provided through the Hong Kong Pilots Association, which is a private company. The service is available around the clock throughout the year.

In 2001, 14 282 local craft — including passenger vessels, cargo vessels, fishing vessels and pleasure vessels — were licensed in Hong Kong to provide a variety of efficient and continuous services for the port. The Marine Department expects to bring in new legislation with a view to rationalising the licensing and management of these vessels.

The Hydrographic Office of the Marine Department carries out hydrographic surveys and produces bilingual nautical charts and publications. Notices to Mariners for updating of charts are issued every two weeks. The office also provides real time tidal information at the Kwai Chung container terminals.

The Planning and Development Branch of the Marine Department provides professional advice on port and marine projects, and co-ordinates all marine development works. These include the Container Terminal 9, Central and Wan Chai Reclamation, and developments in the Western District and Tseung Kwan O.

The Marine Department has completed the draft code of practice for providing safe working guidance to workers engaged in container handling operations in mid-stream, based on the recommendations of a consultancy study completed in September 1999. The code of practice provides guidance on such matters as managing safety at work, safety procedures for working on the top of containers and personal protective clothing and equipment. It will be implemented after consultation with the industry is completed.

The Marine Department continues to organise educational seminars and marine safety campaigns both in Hong Kong and in the Mainland, the latter in liaison with the authorities or shipping companies there. Through these activities, shipmasters and vessel operators are regularly updated with the latest port developments and safety procedures. This forms a major part of the department's continuing programme to ensure safe and efficient operation of the port of Hong Kong.