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In regard to the Lunar New Year Fireworks Display to be held on February 11, the Marine Department (MD) and the Hong Kong Police Force today (February 7) reminded the public of the marine traffic control measures for the event day, as well as safety measures to be followed by the crew and passengers of spectator vessels.
The Senior Marine Officer (Harbour Patrol Section) of the MD, Mr Ivan Shuen, said at the press conference today that the MD will strengthen inspections of spectator vessels on the event day to ensure that vessels meet safety requirements. The requirements include providing sufficient life-saving appliances on board, ensuring that children wear a lifejacket at all times and having coxswains keep a passenger and crew list on board in case it is needed.
He noted that if any vessel fails to meet the requirements, inspecting officers will issue directions at the scene and request the person in charge of the vessel to take remedial actions. If the person in charge of the vessel refuses to comply with the directions, the department will take necessary follow-up action, such as prohibiting the vessel to depart or considering prosecution.
Mr Shuen said the MD will implement measures to control marine traffic on the event day. A closed area, in waters off the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre at Wan Chai where barges for the fireworks display will be anchored, will be established at 2pm on the event day. No vessels will be allowed to enter. A Restricted Area will be established in the Central Harbour from 7pm to about 9.15pm. No vessels, other than ferry vessels permitted to continue services until 7.30pm, will be allowed to enter.
In addition, to ensure vessels disperse in an orderly manner, the Restricted Area will be lifted progressively after the fireworks display. The Western Cordon Line will be shifted slowly to the east under the control of government launches. Spectator vessels behind the Western Cordon Line must follow the instructions of the MD and the Police at the scene, and move with the government launches on the cordon line to the east slowly. The Eastern Cordon Line will be lifted depending on traffic conditions in Victoria Harbour. It is anticipated that the Restricted Area will be completely lifted at about 9.15pm.
Mr Shuen said officers from the MD and the Police will maintain order at major landing facilities after the fireworks display. In order to ensure smooth disembarkation of passengers, coxswains and crew should remind passengers to pack their personal belongings early before the vessels get alongside the landing steps.
The MD and the Marine Police will also strengthen inspections on the event day, especially on speeding and overloading. Mr Shuen reminded coxswains not to speed or overload, and appealed to coxswains and passengers to follow the guidance of the MD and the Police at the scene.
The Assistant Divisional Commander (Operations) of the Police Marine Harbour Division, Mr Oei Jack-hsin, added that the Marine Police will assist the MD in implementing the marine traffic management measures in Victoria Harbour to ensure that spectator vessels will not intrude into the Restricted Area and the Closed Area.
He urged spectator vessel operators to observe the maximum permitted speed in the harbour and proceed at a safe speed at all times. After the event, spectator vessels going to disembark passengers at the public piers should approach the buffer zones at a safe speed. Vessels should also line up in an orderly manner at the buffer zones.
"All operators and crew of the spectator vessels should pay close attention to the arrangements. They are also reminded to pay attention to the communication equipment on board, and the instructions of the MD and the Marine Police, which may be made through light, sound or VHF Radio Channel 14. We appeal for their co-operation to ensure navigational safety," Mr Oei said.
Marine Department Notice No. 15 of 2013 on the marine traffic control and safety measures has been issued and it has been uploaded to the MD's website (www.mardep.gov.hk).
Ends/Thursday, February 7, 2013
Issued at HKT 18:58
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