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, the 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 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. In addition, the Provisional Local Vessel Advisory Committee deals with local craft matters and the Shipping Consultative Committee gives advice on operating the Hong Kong Shipping Register (HKSR) efficiently 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 the 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. The Marine Department eBusiness System was launched in December 2004 permitting 35 types of online submissions and is now being enhanced to provide more eBusiness facilities.

Vessel Traffic Management

The department's Vessel Traffic Centre (VTC) provides traffic services to vessels that are required to participate in the Vessel Traffic Service and follow the VTC's directions.

The movements of vessels participating in the traffic service 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 traffic service system has been upgraded to cater for the continual growth and future demands of 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 apart from responding to maritime emergencies are law enforcement and the maintenance of port and shipping safety.

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 to make it conform 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 tonnage and above, oil tankers of 1 000 gross tonnage and above, and all gas carriers.

The Director of Marine is the authority regulating and monitoring the pilotage service with the assistance of the Pilotage Advisory Committee, which has a membership covering a wide spectrum of port users and shipping interests. The 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 2005, 14 000 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 2006 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 (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 developments in Tuen Mun Area 38, Central, Wan Chai, southeast Kowloon and Tseung Kwan O, and the proposed new links to the Pearl River Delta.

The branch is also the executive arm of the designated authority for implementing the IMO's International Ship and Port Facility Security Code for port facilities in Hong Kong. Current tasks include monitoring security exercises and drills conducted by port facilities and undertaking annual audits of port facility security plans.

Safety Guide on Cargo Handling

The 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 on top of containers and personal protective clothing and equipment.