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The Director of Marine, Mr Roger Tupper, today (March 24) presented commendations to 16 people who risked their lives to rescue others in Hong Kong waters last year.
Receiving the commendations were nine police officers, three staff members of the Hong Kong Pilots 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 Department, I would like to express my heartfelt 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.
He said, "Being the administrator of the port, the Marine Department 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."
In this regard, a navigation safety seminar was held in February to promote the marine safety messages to the port users, emphasising the safety advice they should heed when navigating under restricted visibility.
Besides, the Marine Department's commitment is also extended to the safety of recreational boating which has experienced a surge of popularity in recent years. 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 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 gazetted beaches and water sports sites.
"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 noted.
Ends/Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Issued at HKT 18:26
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