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The Marine Department held the Navigational Safety Seminar 2015 today (January 26). As Hong Kong will be entering the fog season soon, the Acting Director of Marine, Mr Tung Hon-ming, reminded coxswains and persons-in-charge of vessels to post extra lookouts, proceed at a safe speed and strictly comply with the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea when navigating in poor visibility.
He said that coxswains and persons-in-charge of vessels have the responsibility to uphold safety at sea and fully comply with the marine legislation. Coxswains and crew members should take appropriate and adequate safety precautions and prepare contingency arrangements before setting sail. Vessels should have sufficient life-saving appliances. Coxswains and crew members should ensure that vessels, engines and equipment are maintained in conditions that are suitable for navigation. In addition, they should be aware of the contact numbers of the port traffic control unit and units that provide emergency services, and be fully aware of the latest weather conditions and related Marine Department Notices.
On another front, to avoid accidents caused by fatigue, owners and operators of all local vessels must ensure that the duty rosters of crew members, including coxswains, have sufficient rest periods to avoid fatigue at work.
As more infrastructure projects are being undertaken in Hong Kong these days, Mr Tung again reminded coxswains and crew members to pay special attention to Marine Department Notices on marine works, and exercise extra caution when navigating in the vicinity of marine works areas to avoid accidents.
The Marine Department organises education seminars and publicity campaigns to promote marine safety on a regular basis. This annual seminar was attended by more than 160 representatives from the shipping industries, coxswains and operators of local vessels, as well as representatives of marine works projects. The issues discussed covered incidents of vessels running aground, application of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea in Hong Kong waters, analysis of marine accidents and their implications, and the navigational features and limitations of ocean-going vessels in Victoria Harbour.
Marine Department Notice No. 5 of 2015 on safe navigation in poor visibility has been issued and it has been uploaded to the department's website (www.mardep.gov.hk).
Ends/Monday, January 26, 2015
Issued at HKT 17:51
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