Seminar promotes water sport safety (with photos)
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The MD reminded coxswains and vessel operators to make appropriate preparations before setting sail for water sport activities. They should plan the voyages and consider whether the vessel's structure is suitable for the water area and the activity to be conducted. There should be enough experienced crew members on board to guide passengers to follow safety instructions when engaging in water sport activities. Coxswains and vessel operators should also familiarise themselves with all safety precautions and contingency measures, check the vessel's structure and its safety equipment on board before setting sail, and know the location of the equipment and how to use it. They should also collect sufficient weather forecast information for the whole voyage and take heed of weather conditions or warnings.
Coxswains operating pleasure vessels should navigate carefully when entering shallow waters, speed-restricted zones or waters with others taking part in water sport activities. Vessel operators should take appropriate safety measures to avoid any possible risk if they see other water sport activities nearby.
To safeguard marine safety, the MD has attached licence conditions to operating licences of Class IV vessels which are permitted to be let for hire or reward. Owners of relevant vessels are required to prominently display on board a lifejacket sticker, a poster of Common Lifejacket User Guide or other suitable lifejacket user guide, as well as a QR code poster for passengers to verify if the vessel is endorsed to be let for hire or reward.
The MD reminds the public that they should only hire pleasure vessels endorsed by the MD to be let for hire or carry passengers for reward and check the endorsed list of vessels by scanning the QR code posters. Posters were displayed in public piers and popular marine tourism spots. TV and radio announcements in the public interest will be broadcast on various platforms to assist the public in identifying the endorsed pleasure vessels.
In order to raise public awareness of life-saving appliances on board, leaflets on "Life-Saving Appliances on Class I & IV Local Vessels" will also be distributed to remind the public to avoid accidents.
Meanwhile, swimmers should swim at beaches with lifeguards on duty, stay inside the beach area and avoid swimming near anchored vessels. They should understand their physical abilities, take care of their children and avoid swimming alone or away from companions. They should also refrain from swimming right after consumption of food, alcohol or drugs. To prevent accidents, divers shall observe relevant guidelines and maintain safety awareness at all times. In particular, while surfacing, special attention should be paid to the surrounding environment and movement of vessels in the vicinity. Proper buoyant signals should be displayed.
As the typhoon season is approaching, the MD urges owners, coxswains and persons-in-charge of local vessels, including pleasure vessels, to remain vigilant to the threat of typhoons. Before the onset of a typhoon, appropriate precautionary measures must be taken to ensure the safety of persons on board and vessels.
The MD will continue its promotional and educational work to enhance the safety awareness of the public. To further enhance public awareness of the use of local vessels during water sport activities, the MD has produced promotional leaflets to provide safety advice concerning various water sport activities.
Officers of the Marine Police and the MD will step up their patrol activities in speed restricted zones, waters in the vicinity of popular beaches and water sport sites, and will take action against any illegal or reckless boating activities. The LCSD lifeguards will also keep an eye out for boating activities at beaches and the adjacent waters. They will alert officers of the MD and the Marine Police if law enforcement actions against offenders are required.
The MD hopes that the industry and the public will co-operate in promoting water sport safety, so that everyone can enjoy pleasant leisure activities.
Ends/Friday, May 12, 2023
Issued at HKT 16:30
Issued at HKT 16:30
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