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 services, 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 efficient operations of the port and the Pilotage Advisory Committee advises on matters relating to pilotage services. Besides these, 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 website 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. Applications for certain port formalities can be submitted over the Internet.

Vessel Traffic Management

The Vessel Traffic Centre (VTC) of the Marine Department provides vessel traffic services to vessels of 300 gross tonnes and above, which are 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 VTC 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 VTS system has been upgraded to cater for the continual growth and future demands in marine traffic.

Harbour Patrol and Local Control Stations

The Marine Department's Harbour Patrol Section 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 under construction for completion in May 2003.

Carriage of Dangerous Goods

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 Service

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 round-the-clock throughout the year.

Local Craft

In 2002, 13 000 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 plans to introduce a set of new legislation in 2003 with a view to rationalising the licensing and management of these vessels.

Hydrographic Service

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 once every two weeks. The office also provides real-time tidal information for the Kwai Chung Container Terminals and tidal stream predictions through the Internet.

Port Planning and Development

The Planning and Development Branch of the Marine Department provides professional advice on port and marine projects, and coordinates publicity on all marine development works. These include the CT9, Central and Wan Chai Reclamation, the Hong Kong Disneyland project and developments in the Tuen Mun Area 38, South-East Kowloon, Tseung Kwan O and Western district as well as the proposed links to the Pearl River Delta.

Safety Guide and Code of Practice on Cargo Handling

A Safety Guide for Shipboard Container Handling was issued to the industry in December 2001, based on the recommendations of a consultancy study completed in September 1999. The Safety Guide 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. The department is preparing a draft code of practice for derrick cranes which will provide practical guidance to owners of vessels and competent examiners on provisions such as strength calculations, tests and the examination of cranes to be implemented in consultation with the industry after Merchant Shipping (Local Vessels) Ordinance enters into force (expected in mid-2003).

Educational Seminars and Marine Safety Campaign

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 and local shipping companies. Through these activities, shipmasters and vessel operators are continuously updated on the latest port developments and regulatory framework. This forms a major part of the department's ongoing programme to ensure safe and efficient operation of the port of Hong Kong.