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The Director of Immigration, Mr Lai Tung-kwok, officiated at the commissioning ceremony of two new immigration launches today (May 31).
The two new immigration launches, "IMM 1" and "IMM 2" were built to replace two vessels that have been in service for 20 years.
The new vessels are made of lightweight and rust-proof aluminium alloy. They measure 23.7 metres long and six metres wide, with a maximum carrying capacity of four crew and 24 passengers. Installed with two 690KW powerful engines, "IMM 1" and "IMM 2" can reach a maximum speed of 25 knots, twice as fast as the two vessels they replace.
Apart from higher cruising speed, the new launches are equipped with advanced electronic equipment such as differential global positioning system, maritime radar, echo sounder, hand-held digital night vision telescope, portable search light, mobile phone and facsimile machine.
To cater for the operation needs, an interview room and a briefing room were constructed on each of the two vessels.
Mr Lai said the new vessels would enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of immigration control at sea, including immigration clearance of vessels at approved immigration anchorages, combating illegal immigration and conducting surprise check of vessels.
Ends/Thursday, May 31, 2007
Issued at HKT 19:01
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