International Maritime Organisation

The HKSAR Government participates in International Maritime Organisation (IMO) activities as an associate member under the name 'Hong Kong, China'. The Hong Kong maritime industry is consulted on, and kept well informed about, all issues discussed at IMO meetings that may affect Hong Kong. In 2006, government officers attended one conference and 18 IMO meetings in London. Topics discussed were related to training standards, certification for seafarers, fire protection, bulk carrier safety, radio communications, life-saving appliances, navigational safety, ballast water management, preventing marine pollution, casualty statistics and investigations, and maritime security.

Port State Control

Hong Kong is a member of the Memorandum of Understanding on Port State Control (PSC) in the Asia-Pacific Region ('Tokyo MOU'). The Marine Department participated actively in various activities, and is the leader of two working groups governed by the MOU. The department's PSC officers are well known for their professionalism and impartiality in conducting ship inspections.

In 2006, the department continued to conduct Port State Control inspections daily, including weekends whenever practicable. The officers conducted 596 inspections of ocean-going vessels, or 13.1 per cent of ocean-going vessels that visited Hong Kong. About 10 per cent of the ships inspected were detained because of serious deficiencies that needed immediate attention.

Maritime Search and Rescue

The Marine Department's Maritime Rescue and Coordination Centre (MRCC) coordinates search and rescue operations for disasters occurring in Hong Kong waters or in parts of the South China Sea. It is responsible for about 450 000 square nautical miles of sea.

The MRCC is manned 24 hours a day by professional staff and is equipped with modern communication equipment and is aided by a shore-based Global Maritime Distress and Safety System.

During the year, the centre handled 214 vessel-related emergencies, 53 of which involved search and rescue operations. A total of 238 people were rescued in those operations.

In recognition of its expertise, the Hong Kong MRCC has been chosen as a member of the IMO/International Civil Aviation Organisation Joint Working Group for Harmonisation of Maritime and Aeronautical Search and Rescue.