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In regard to the New Year's Eve Countdown Pyrotechnic Show to be held by the Hong Kong Tourism Board on December 31, the Marine Department (MD) and the Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF) today (December 20) specially reminded the public of the marine traffic arrangements for the event day, safety measures to be followed by crew and passengers of spectator vessels, and the associated work of MD and HKPF officers that day.
The Assistant Director (Port Control) of Marine, Mr Raymond Chung, said it is expected that a number of vessels will turn up for the pyrotechnic show in Victoria Harbour on the event night, and therefore the MD will implement control measures to regulate marine traffic.
"The MD expects that around 100 vessels will be carrying people to the pyrotechnic show in Victoria Harbour that night. The majority of the vessels will be concentrated at the eastern and western sides of the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC). MD officers will closely monitor the marine traffic at the scene. If vessels are found to be over-concentrated, officers will regulate and divert the vessels at the scene and instruct them to go to other suitable locations for viewing the pyrotechnic show," he said.
He noted that the eastern and western sides of the HKCEC can accommodate around 140 vessels. If vessels are found to be over-concentrated, the MD will divert the vessels to waters off Tsim Sha Tsui East.
He said the MD and HKPF officers will remain at the scene to regulate vessels after the pyrotechnic show in order to assist them to depart in an orderly manner.
Marine Department Notice No. 173 of 2012 on the marine traffic arrangements has been issued and it has been uploaded to the MD's website (www.mardep.gov.hk).
At the same time, Mr Chung appealed to the public to pay attention to marine safety when participating in major events at sea. Crew members and passengers should work together closely and follow the safety measures.
He emphasised that parents should look after children and ensure that the children are in a lifejacket at all times. Coxswains should keep a passenger and crew list in case it is needed.
In addition, passengers should note the locations of the vessels' emergency exits and the lifejackets, and note how to put on a lifejacket, before the vessels depart. Vessels should refrain from overloading or speeding.
Mr Chung said the MD will strengthen inspections of vessels on the event day and carry out enforcement action in regard to the guidelines on children wearing a lifejacket at all times and coxswains keeping a passenger and crew list. If any vessel does not follow the requirements in the guidelines, officers will issue directions at the scene and request the coxswain to follow them; if a coxswain refuses to comply with the directions, the department will take necessary follow-up action, such as prohibiting the vessel to depart or considering prosecution.
The Superintendent (Operations) Marine of the HKPF, Mr Joseph Li, noted that the Marine Police will conduct an anti-speeding operation for vessels on the event day. He appealed to coxswains to observe the speed limits in Victoria Harbour and to proceed at a safe speed. He also reminded coxswains not to operate a vessel whilst under the influence of alcohol when celebrating the festival.
"Coxswains and the public should take note of the arrangements on the event day and act in conformity with the arrangements, as well as co-operate with the MD and the HKPF to ensure navigational safety," he said.
To raise the safety awareness of the public when they are participating in major events at sea, TV and radio Announcements in the Public Interest (APIs) have been produced by the MD and the HKPF, and will be broadcast on TV and radio starting from tomorrow (December 21). In addition, the MD and the HKPF have published a poster and a leaflet to remind the general public of the safety measures to be followed on-board when participating in major events at sea.
Ends/Thursday, December 20, 2012
Issued at HKT 19:37
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