Law revisions proposed to boost local vessel safety
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The Merchant Shipping (Local Vessels) (General) (Amendment) Regulation 2016 and the Merchant Shipping (Local Vessels) (Safety and Survey) (Amendment) Regulation 2016 were gazetted today (December 9), mandating local vessels exceeding specified carrying capacities to use three kinds of navigational and communications equipment, namely, an automatic identification system (AIS), radar, and a very high frequency (VHF) radiotelephone. The amended regulations also require the presence of crew members qualified to use the radar and VHF radiotelephone.
Vessels with an AIS automatically send their navigational information to other vessels and shore stations to facilitate appropriate navigational decisions as well as search and rescue operations. Radar helps vessels to monitor traffic conditions in nearby waters, while VHF radiotelephones disseminate messages by way of broadcast to allow all parties concerned to receive messages simultaneously.
A spokesperson for the Transport and Housing Bureau said, "The use of such equipment will facilitate better communication and identification of vessels at sea, thereby assisting navigation decisions and enhancing marine safety.
"We consulted the Legislative Council’s Panel on Economic Development and the Local Vessels Advisory Committee and they endorsed the proposal."
The amendment regulations will be tabled at the Legislative Council on December 14 for negative vetting.
Ends/Friday, December 9, 2016
Issued at HKT 11:15
Issued at HKT 11:15
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