International Maritime Organisation

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 on and kept well informed of all the issues discussed in the IMO that may affect the HKSAR. In 2004, 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, life saving appliances, safety of navigation, ballast water management, prevention of marine pollution, casualty statistics and investigation and maritime security.

Port State Control

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 2004, it sent two surveyors to Bangkok, Thailand to give lectures on subjects relating to Port State Control inspections under the Tokyo MOU's Expert Mission programme. A Port State Control Officer (PSCO) from New Zealand stayed in the department for two weeks to share experience with Hong Kong PSCOs under the Tokyo MOU's PSCO Exchange Programme.

The department also participated in various working groups under the Tokyo 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 2004, the department continued to carry out daily Port State Control inspections, including weekends whenever practicable. PSC officers of the department conducted 745 inspections of ocean-going vessels, amounting to 16.9 per cent of ocean-going vessels visiting Hong Kong. Some 86.6 per cent of these vessels had deficiencies which were required to be rectified.

Maritime Search and Rescue

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 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 2004, the centre handled 182 cases of vessel emergencies, 70 of which developed into search and rescue operations, including 13 medical evacuations. A total of 181 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.