The Marine Department administers the port. Its principal function is to ensure navigation safety and efficiency of shipping activities in the waters of Hong Kong. This is achieved by comprehensive traffic management, harbour patrols, 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 all matters related to the efficient operation of the port, the Pilotage Advisory Committee on matters related to pilotage services, and the Port Area Security Advisory Committee on port security. Besides these, the Provisional Local Vessel Advisory Committee deals with local craft matters and the Shipping Consultative Committee advises on efficient operation of the Hong Kong Shipping Register (HKSR) and Hong Kong's participation in the International Maritime Organisation (IMO).

The Marine Department's website (www.mardep.gov.hk) provides a wide range of information on the port and the HKSR. 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. Phase I of a new electronic business portal — the Marine Department eBusiness System — was launched in December, permitting some 35 types of online submissions for notification or application. Phase II of the system, providing for more eBusiness facilities, will be developed in 2005.

Vessel Traffic Management

The department's Vessel Traffic Centre (VTC) provides traffic services to vessels 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 provide full surveillance of all navigable waters in Hong Kong. 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 Harbour Patrol Section operates a fleet of 20 patrol launches and provides on-scene support to the VTC. 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 department operates a local traffic control station at Kwai Chung Container Terminal 8. The station, manned 24 hours a day and equipped with a dedicated patrol launch, provides navigational assistance to vessels in the vicinity.

Carriage of Dangerous Goods

The department conducts random shipboard inspections of vessels in Hong Kong waters in accordance with international and local standards. The dangerous goods legislation is being revised with a view to bringing it into conformity with the new 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 2004, 13 900 local craft — including passenger, cargo, fishing and pleasure vessels — were licensed in Hong Kong to provide a variety of efficient and continuous services for the port and the community. The department plans to introduce new legislation in 2005 with a view to rationalising the licensing and management of these vessels.

Hydrographic Service

The Hydrographic Office carries out hydrographic surveys and produces bilingual nautical charts and publications. It also produces Electronic Navigational Charts. Notices to Mariners for updating of charts are issued once every two weeks. The office also provides real-time tidal information and tidal stream predictions through the Internet (http://www.hydro.gov.hk).

Planning, Development and Port Security

The department's Planning, Development and Port Security Branch provides professional advice on port and marine projects, and coordinates publicity on all marine development works. These include CT9, West Kowloon Cultural District project, developments in Tuen Mun Area 38, Central, Wanchai, south-eastern Kowloon and Tseung Kwan O, and the proposed new links to the Pearl River Delta.

The Planning, Development and Port Security Branch is also the executive arm of the Designated Authority (DA) to implement the IMO's International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code in respect of port facilities in Hong Kong. Prior to July 1, 2004, the date on which the ISPS Code came into force internationally, the branch had completed assessing the security plans of the relevant port facilities for approval by the DA. Future tasks include monitoring the security exercises and drills conducted by port facilities and undertaking the annual audit of the security plans.

Safety Guide and Code of Practice on Cargo Handling

A Safety Guide for Container Handling is available from the Marine Department for cargo operators to enhance marine industrial safety. The safety guide provides guidance on matters such as managing safety at work, safety procedures for working atop containers and personal protective clothing and equipment. The safety guide will become a Code of Practice after the Merchant Shipping (Local Vessels) Ordinance enters into force (expected in 2005). A new Code of Practice for Strength Calculations, Test and Examination of Derrick Cranes on Local Vessels and other codes of practice will also be ready for issue and application in 2005.