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As an Associate Member in the name of Hong Kong, China, the HKSAR participates
in the activities of the IMO. The Hong Kong maritime industry is consulted
and kept well informed of all the issues discussed in the IMO that may
affect the HKSAR. In 2003, the HKSAR attended one conference and 18 IMO
meetings on various maritime issues in London. These issues related to
the standards of training and certification for seafarers, fire protection,
bulk carrier safety, radio communications, revision of the International
Maritime Dangerous Goods Code, safety of navigation, prevention of marine
pollution, casualty statistics and investigation, suppression of maritime
piracy and maritime security.
The department is actively involved in the technical cooperation programmes
under the Memorandum of Understanding on Port State Control (PSC) in the
Asia-Pacific Region ('Tokyo MOU'). In 2003, it sent a Senior Surveyor
to Yokohama, Japan, to give lectures on subjects relating to Port State
Control inspections under the MOU's Expert Mission and Basic Training
Course programmes.
The department also participated in various working
groups under the MOU in formulating general policies, evaluation of technical
cooperation programmes and improvement of a computerised information system
and data exchange. Hong Kong is currently the leader of the Action Group
on technical cooperation.
In 2003, the department introduced Port State Control
inspections during weekends. PSC officers of the department conducted
915 inspections of ocean-going vessels, amounting to 20.3 per cent of
ocean-going vessels visiting Hong Kong. About 89.5 per cent of these vessels
had deficiencies which were required to be rectified.
The search and rescue responsibility for maritime distress situations
occurring within Hong Kong waters and the major part of the South China
Sea covering a sea area of about 450 000 square nautical miles, as agreed
internationally, rests with the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC)
of the Marine Department.
The MRCC is manned 24 hours a day by professional
staff and is equipped with comprehensive communication equipment and a
shore-based Global Maritime Distress and Safety System. It coordinates
search and rescue operations in conjunction with other government departments
and international ships on the high seas. Staff members of the MRCC regularly
hold maritime safety seminars for fishermen's associations and yacht clubs
and for the shipping communities in both Hong Kong and Guangdong Province.
In 2003, the centre handled 220 cases of vessel emergencies,
72 of which developed into search and rescue operations, including 21
medical evacuations. A total of 113 persons were rescued. During the year,
the centre also presented safety seminars for the public.
In recognition of its expertise, the Hong Kong MRCC
has been selected as a member of the IMO/International Civil Aviation
Organisation Joint Working Group for Search and Rescue. |
