香港特別行政區政府海事處 MARINE DEPARTMENT HKSAR GOVERNMENT

Issue No. 38 • April 2010 Navigate with extreme caution, safe speed near marine works

The Director of Marine, Mr Roger navigate with extreme caution and safe collisions involving high-speed ferries Tupper, reminded owners of vessels speed in the vicinity of Causeway Bay and slower craft. These cases empha- and personnel on board to exercise Typhoon Shelter and in the western sised the need to make significant great caution in the vicinity of all the waters of Kong and speed reductions when visibility falls existing and future marine works in Delta. below 1,000 metres and to double up the waters of and the Pearl The Marine Department will publish the lookout even when proceeding at River estuary. Marine Department Notices to pro- slow speed.” This year’s Navigational Safety mulgate the various stages of these Seminar was held on February 3, 2010 works with navigational safety advice. at the Hong Kong Space Museum. In addition the Marine Department Addressing the seminar, Mr Tupper will continue to enhance close coope- highlighted two major marine works ration with the Guangdong Maritime of special note in the upcoming years. Safety Administration to convey safety He said, “The reclamation of the information for local shipping in the Central – Wan Chai Bypass and Island area. Eastern Corridor Link will commence During the fog season, Mr Tupper work early this year and continue for also reminded adequate safety pre- some six years. Construction of the cautions and contingency measures Hong Kong – Zhuhai – Macao Bridge, should be in place for every intended including reclamation to the east of voyage. the airport for the boundary crossing He said, “In these days of climate facilities has started and will continue change, we should not be surprised for some five years.” when mists or fogs appear out of the Marine Officer, Mr K Lam, presenting to participants points to note when vessels are He pointed out that owners of normal season such as those occurred navigating in restricted visibility. vessels and personnel aboard should last Christmas Day resulting in three More eBS services in the pipeline The Marine Department (MD)’s cations for the Hong Kong Licence Electronic System (eBS) will is not part of the formalities, be further expanded by the introduc- it 3 had been included in the eBS as a tion of two new services, said the new service to help enhance the MD’s Senior Marine Officer/IT Manage- e-services platform for the shipping ment Section, Mr Michael Chau. industry,” noted Mr Chau, who heads The two new services that will the4 MD’s IT Management Section be introduced in 2010 are the inter- comprising 23 staffers. face with the Seafarers’ Examina- He added that this new service tion and Certification System (SECS) would help process between 10,000 for the submission of applications and 15,000 applications each year. An The Deputy Director of Marine Department, for the Hong Kong Licence, and the Mr Francis Liu (second right), receiving the applicant7 can conveniently pay the ap- electronic submission of applications award from Dr Herman Tsui of the Hong Kong plication fee of HK$400 via the online for the dispensation regarding Institution of Engineers. (From left) Looking autopay system. Ships Safety. on are Information Technology Manager, Mr Regarding the applications for Joseph Yap, and Senior Marine Officer, Mr “Although the submission of appli- Michael Chau. continued on page 4 HONG KONG MARITIME NEWS

IMO member State audit for HKSAR A recent audit conducted by the So far, 37 member States and one International Maritime Organiza- have been audited. tion (IMO) initially revealed that The audit for was completed in the maritime administration of the November 2009. Hong Kong Special Administrative In all, 51 member States have Region (HKSAR) has mainly been volunteered for the audit. On June very effective in discharging its 10, 2009, the Marine Department obligations under the relevant IMO of the HKSAR formally accept- instruments. ed the audit arrangement for the MD high ranking staff meeting with the auditors appointed by the IMO. To promote maritime safety HKSAR. and protection of the marine The audit for the HKSAR was environment, the IMO initiated carried out by three IMO appointed and concluded on March 15, 2010. the Voluntary IMO Member State auditors from Australia, India Early indications show that HKSAR Audit Scheme in 2006. The scheme and the Republic of Korea. has substantially met its obligation lets third party auditors conduct The scope of the audit covered and effectively implemented the comprehensive and objective high-level and operational elements mandatory IMO instruments. The assessments on how effectively on how the HKSAR administers its audit also identified a number of member States discharge their maritime responsibilities in respect of areas of good practice, which are responsibilities and obligations as safety and environmental protection innovative and of considerable flag, coastal and port States under requirements. assistance to the administration and various mandatory IMO instru- The audit started on March 8, 2010 maritime community as a whole. ments.

seminar was held in February to pro- 16 people commended for mote the marine safety messages to the port users, emphasising the safety saving lives at sea advice they should heed when navigat- ing under restricted visibility. On March 24, 2010, the Director of responsible for all maritime matters in Besides, the Marine Department’s Marine, Mr Roger Tupper, presented Hong Kong and the safety standards of commitment is also extended to the commendations to 16 people who all classes and types of vessels. A key safety of recreational boating which risked their lives to rescue others in commitment is to ensure safe opera- has experienced a surge of popularity Hong Kong waters last year. tion of the port so that every ship that in recent years. This year, the Marine Receiving the commendations comes to our port can carry out its Department will continue to partner were nine police officers, three staff business smoothly and efficiently.” with the Marine Police and the Leisure members of the Hong Kong Pilots In this regard, a navigation safety continued on page 4 Association Ltd and four civilians. Speaking at the presentation ceremony, Mr Tupper thanked all awardees for their selfless and public- spirited acts. He said, “We cannot avoid all accidents placing people in peril in the water and without the brave and public-spirited people like our heroes here today, some lives would have been lost and families bereaved last year. “On behalf of the Marine Depart- ment, I would like to express my heart- felt thanks to our heroes.” In his speech Mr Tupper stressed the Port of Hong Kong had always been a key factor in the economic development and prosperity of Hong Kong. After presenting the commendations, the Director of Marine, Mr Roger Tupper (third right, second He said, “Being the administrator row), has a group picture with the 16 recipients. of the port, the Marine Department is

2 HONG KONG MARITIME NEWS Awards presented to shipping companies during annual joint luncheon

The Marine Department and the Hong Kong Shipowners contributed to the Flag State so as to live up to its reputa- Association jointly hosted a luncheon and awards ceremony tion. Five ship management companies performing well in on March 19, 2010 to congratulate companies for winning the the Port State Control Inspection regimes carried off the Best Performance in Port State Control Inspection Award, awards which were established three years ago. These five the green awards and the Bravery Awards respectively. companies were Anglo-Eastern Ship Management Limited, The Best Performance in Port State Control Inspection COSCO (HK) Shipping Co Ltd, Pacific Basin Shipping (HK) Award shows the Marine Department’s appreciation to Limited, Fleet Management Limited and Orient Overseas companies whose Hong Kong-registered vessels have Container Line Ltd. In recognition of the extra efforts made by shipowners and ship managers in protecting the environment, the Hong Kong Shipping Registry (HKSR) in conjunction with members from the industry has set up an assessment panel for three awards for green achievement, namely the Green Innovative Award, the Green Culture Award and the Green Awareness Award. The HKSR invited submissions from shipping companies whose fleets comprise of Hong Kong-registered vessels. Those submissions that could demonstrate, apart from those international requirements, Award winners and guests pose for a group photo. tangible overall reductions in harmful substances into the air and sea during operations of these Hong Kong-flagged vessels were presented with the awards. The winners were Maersk Shipping Hong Kong Limited (the Green Innovative Award), Orient Overseas Container Line Ltd (the Green Culture Award), Fleet Management Limited and Pacific Basin Shipping (HK) Limited (the Green Awareness Award). There were two incidents occurred in 2009 in which crews of Hong Kong-flagged ships rescued seafarers in distress in high seas. The Bravery Awards were presented to these ships in recognition of the crew members’ courage and bravery. In the first incident, MV “Hebei Courage” of the North China Shipping Holding Co Ltd while sail- The Director of Marine, Mr Roger Mr Tupper (right) presents the Tupper (right), presents the Bravery Bravery Award to the Master and ing in the found five Filipino fishermen Award to the Master and Crew of Crew of the MV Hebei Courage whose fishing vessel foundered for 15 days in the wake of a the MT Pacific Condor managed which belongs to North China typhoon. In the second incident, the master and the crew by Fleet Management Ltd. Shipping Holdings Co Ltd. of MT “Pacific Condor”, managed by Fleet Management Limited, rescued 21 crew members from MV “Sea Star” abandoned by its owner in the Red Sea. continued on page 4

Mr Tupper (right) presents the Mr Tupper (right) presents the Mr Tupper (right) presents the Mr Tupper (right) presents the Green Awareness Award to Green Culture Award to Orient Green Awareness Award to Fleet Green Innovative Award to Pacific Basin Shipping (HK) Ltd. Overseas Container Line Ltd. Management Ltd. Maersk Shipping Hong Kong Ltd.

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continued from page 3 continued from page 1 Awards presented to shipping companies More eBS services in the pipeline during annual joint luncheon the dispensation, Hong Kong registered ocean-going vessels can obtain the required permission from the MD The Permanent Secretary for via the eBS at the soonest possible in case they sail with Transport and Housing deficiencies. The eBS will provide an online platform for the (Transport), Mr Francis Ho (right), presents the Phoenix Manage- applications around the clock and facilitate the MD to pro- ment Award to COSCO (HK) cess the applications and provide assistance immediately. Shipping Co Ltd. In addition, the applicants may enquire their application status through the eBS. Two more new services will also be introduced around late 2010. Mr Chau said, “The third new initiative of the eBS will enable all shipping companies to submit online applications for permits for the removal and carriage of dangerous goods such as explosives and radioactive materials. “The fourth initiative involves the collection of the annual tonnage fees for the Hong Kong Shipping Registry through online autopay system so as to save the time of the ship owners.” Last year, the eBS won the Best Public Service Application (Transformation) Bronze Award of the Hong Kong Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Awards 2009. The judging panel considered the system The Chairman of the Hong Kong Mr Ho (right) presents the Shipowners Association, Mr Dragon Management Award to user-friendly and comprehensive, and a key driver for the Kenneth Koo (right), presents the Anglo-Eastern Ship Management success of the shipping industry doing business in Hong Jin Chan Management Award to Ltd. Kong. Orient Overseas Container Line Ltd.

continued from page 2 16 people commended for saving lives at sea

and Cultural Services Department to launch the “Safety Afloat 2010” campaign. A seminar and other publicity activities will be arranged in the coming months. In the port environment, Mr Tupper said the Harbour Patrol Section together with the Marine Police would step up the law enforcement efforts to deter speeding and other reckless boating behaviour. Moreover, the number of patrols would be enhanced in the vicinity of the speed restriction zones and the water areas surrounding popular Mr Koo (right) presents the Pi Mr Koo (right) presents the Xiu Management Award to Fleet Unicorn Management Award to gazetted beaches and water sports sites. Management Ltd. Pacific Basin Shipping (HK) Ltd. “We trust these measures will enhance marine safety and Hong Kong will continue to be one of the safest and most efficient in the world and provide a safe environment for marine leisure activities,” Mr Tupper noted.

4 HONG KONG MARITIME NEWS Meeting held in HK to discuss electronic navigational chart The Marine Department (MD) Director of Marine, Mr Roger Tupper, graphic and charting services to the hosted the 4th East Asia Hydrographic noted the importance of the meeting maritime industry. Mr Tupper also Commission Electronic Navigational in which 19 representatives from eight welcomed the Malaysian representa- Chart (EAHC ENC) Task Group countries in the East Asian region tive, who participated in the meeting Meeting in the MD Training Centre gathered in Hong Kong with the com- through the Internet. between March 17 and 19, 2010. mon goal of enhancing navigational Mr Tupper stressed that the In his welcoming speech, the safety by providing the best hydro- International Maritime Organization had approved amendments to require all large passenger ships, tankers and cargo ships to fit the Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS) on a rolling timetable, which would begin in July 2012. Respon- sible marine authorities should have the obligation to supply accurate and up-to-date official ENCs to the users and thus have a tight time schedule to meet. The task group had been assigned by the EAHC to resolve the overlapping of ENCs covering the region and to address the data consistency of the ENCs produced. All EAHC member states have cooperated closely and jointly produced ENCs covering the Representatives from eight countries and the HKSAR gathering for the 4th EAHC ENC Task Group Meeting. South China Sea.

Extensive view exchanges at MD, Macao MA meeting emergency responses to marine ac- cidents, the two sides followed up At a meeting between the speed ferry vessels, the MD gave on the preparations for the 2010 Marine Department (MD) and the a briefing on the functions and Joint Maritime Macao Maritime Administration operational experience of the High- Exercise of Guangdong, Hong (Macao MA) held in Hong Kong on Speed Craft Consultative Committee. Kong and Macao. Other highlights March 10, 2010, there were fruitful Issues concerning sea passenger included the reporting of irregulari- exchanges of views on issues rang- transport services including matters ties relating to high-speed passenger ing from sea passenger transport relating to routes, ports of call, and craft, and the co-operation between services to marine accidents. vessels and crews were also discussed. the two sides on marine accident On the management of high- Regarding the investigations of and investigations.

Delegations from Hong Kong and Macao pictured after the meeting.

5 HONG KONG MARITIME NEWS 2010: Year of the Seafarer donations for Port Welfare Committee

Donations amounting to some ships carried a total of 7.7 billion farers from all points $800,000 in total have been made tonnes of cargo around the world. of the world as they toiled to transport to the Port Welfare Committee in “Port welfare is a still largely billions of tonnes of seaborne cargo 2009-10 to support the cause of the anonymous behind-the-scenes effort around the world. committee and in commemoration of that contributes greatly to Hong He thanked donors for their 2010: Year of the Seafarer. Kong’s popularity as a world-class continued donations to the Port To mark this occasion, a cheque port,” Mr Koo said. Welfare Committee and contributing presentation ceremony cum drinks “But for our seafarers, the people greatly to Hong Kong’s port welfare reception of the Port Welfare on the ‘frontlines’ and ‘trenches’ who endeavours. Committee was held on April 16, 2010 make ‘maritime’ work, the care they The United Nations’ International at the Mariners’ Club, . receive from the chaplains of many Maritime Organization (IMO) has Speaking at the ceremony, the different nationalities based in Hong designated 2010 as the Year of the Chairman of the Port Welfare Com- Kong and other facilities enable them Seafarer, giving the IMO and the mittee, Mr Kenneth Koo, underlined to at least call Hong Kong a ‘home international maritime community the importance of port welfare to the away from home’.” the opportunity to pay tribute to the maritime industry and seafarers who Mr Koo noted that Hong Kong as a world’s seafarers for their unique con- make globalisation a reality. In 2008, shipping centre welcomed weary sea- tributions to society and in recogni- tion of the risks they shoulder in the execution of their duties in an often hostile environment. With secretariat support provided by the Marine Department, the Port Welfare Committee ensures that proper arrangements are made to safeguard the welfare of and provide recreational facilities for visiting In support of the cause of the committee A representative of the Tai Chong Cheang seafarers of all nationalities. This and in commemoration of 2010: Year of the Steamship Co (HK) Ltd (left) presents a cheque is achieved by providing financial Seafarer, a representative of the K H Koo Chari- of $250,000 to Mr Kenneth Koo. support to the Sailors’ Home and table Foundation (left) presents a cheque of $250,000 to the Chairman of the Port Welfare Missions to Seamen, and the Danish Committee, Mr Kenneth Koo. Seamen’s Church, Hong Kong.

Visits

A delegation from the Maritime and Port The Director of the China Satellite Maritime The Deputy Director of Marine, Mr Francis Authority of Singapore being briefed on the Tracking and Control Department, Mr Ding Liu (left), and a delegation from the Ministry operation of the port of Hong Kong. Xingnong (second left), visits the Marine of Transport exchanging views on services Department and meets with the Deputy that they provide. Director of Marine, Mr Francis Liu (second right).

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General Manager/Shipping Registry & Seafarers, Mr K F Chick (right), introducing the work of the Hong Kong Shipping Registry to a Aboard the launch Tin Hau, members of the International Union of Marine Insurance watching a delegation from the Bank of Communications. DVD on Marine Department’s work.

Marine Department, Maritime News Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Editorial Board Harbour Building, 38 Pier Road, Hong Kong Tel: (852) 2852-4423 G.P.O. Box 4155 Fax: (852) 2543-8531 Enquiries: (852) 2542-3711 Email: [email protected] Fax: (852) 2541-7194, 2544-9241 Subscription: (852) 2852-4544 Web site: www.mardep.gov.hk Email: [email protected]

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