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The Director of Marine, Mr Roger Tupper, today (March 5) presented commendations to 30 people who had risked their lives to rescue others in Hong Kong waters last year.
Receiving the commendations were 18 police officers, seven crew members from the Star Ferry Co Ltd, three staff members of the Hong Kong Pilots Association Ltd and two civilians.
Mr Tupper said, "The Marine Department is the administrator of the port, and is responsible for all maritime matters in Hong Kong and the safety standards of all classes and types of vessels. A key commitment is to ensure safe operation of the port so that every ship that comes to our port can carry out its business smoothly and efficiently. This commitment is extended to the safety of recreational boating which has experienced a surge of popularity in recent years."
He noted that the Marine Department, the Marine Police and the Leisure and Cultural Services Department had jointly organised the annual Safety Afloat campaign launching a series of educational seminars and publicity activities since 2007. The campaign has achieved remarkable success as it has effectively raised the safety awareness of the clubs and players when organising or participating in recreational boating activities.
This year, the Marine Department will continue to partner with the Marine Police and the Leisure and Cultural Services Department to launch the "Safety Afloat 2009" campaign. The first navigation safety seminar was successfully held on January 5. Another seminar and other publicity activities will be held in the coming months.
In order to further enhance public awareness and promote marine safety messages, TV and radio air-time, including prime time slots, will be allocated for broadcasting the relevant Announcement of Public Interest in the water sports high season of 2009.
In the port environment, Mr Tupper said the Marine Department's Harbour Patrol Section together with the Marine Police would step up 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 gazetted beaches and water sports sites so as to safeguard swimmers and boaters during the high season. Correspondingly, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department would encourage swimmers to swim within the swimming zones of gazetted beaches.
"We trust these measures will enhance marine safety and Hong Kong will continue to be one of the safest and most efficient ports in the world and provide a safe environment for marine leisure activities," Mr Tupper added.
Ends/Thursday, March 5, 2009
Issued at HKT 17:03
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