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MD reminds trade about implementation of amendment regulations to enhance marine safety
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     The Marine Department (MD) met the local maritime trade today (December 27) to remind members about the implementation of new amendment regulations on the strengthened requirements for the provision of lifejackets on local vessels and enhanced marine safety during major events at sea. The trade was advised to comply with the regulations to ensure the safety of all persons on board as well as marine safety.
 
     The new amendment regulations include the Merchant Shipping (Local Vessels) (Safety and Survey) (Amendment) Regulation 2019 and the Merchant Shipping (Local Vessels) (General) (Amendment) (No. 3) Regulation 2019.
 
     A spokesman for the MD said, "The purpose of the meeting with the trade today is to reiterate that the new amendment regulations have already come into effect since December 23. The operation and the provision of lifejackets of the vessels concerned must comply with the requirements of the regulations. The trade agreed that the regulations could enhance marine safety and they all pledged to observe the rules, including during major events at sea."
 
     According to the new regulations, all local vessels are required to carry on board suitable lifejackets, the quantity of which must be not less than the total number of persons which the vessel is licensed to carry. Furthermore, all commercial passenger-carrying local vessels licensed to carry more than 12 passengers must carry on board infant lifejackets, the quantity of which must not be less than 2.5 per cent of the number of passengers that the vessel is licensed to carry.
 
     In addition, to enhance marine safety during major events at sea, the new regulations require children on board to wear lifejackets at all times during the events. A list of passengers and crew must also be kept by the coxswain of the vessel for emergency purposes.
 
     Today, some 40 representatives from the local maritime trade attended the meeting.
 
     The MD has started publicity work and will continue to enhance awareness of the new regulations by both the trade and the public.
 
Ends/Friday, December 27, 2019
Issued at HKT 12:47
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