*************************************************
Masters, coxswains and persons-in-charge of vessels have been urged to exercise extreme caution when navigating in restricted visibility to ensure navigational safety.
A spokesman for the Marine Department reminded these people to strictly comply with the 1972 International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, in particular the regulations concerning Look-out, Safe Speed, Risk of Collision, Action to Avoid Collision and Conduct of Vessels in Restricted Visibility.
To help them with real time visibility information within Hong Kong waters, the department's Vessel Traffic Centre will broadcast visibility reports in relation to Victoria Harbour and its adjacent approaches and major principal fairways on VHF Channels 12, 14 and 67 when visibility was reduced to less than two nautical miles. The information will be broadcast every hour until the visibility improves.
To promote navigational safety and enhance safety awareness among masters and coxswains, the spokesman said the department earlier this month organised a seminar on safe navigating in restricted visibility. The seminar was attended by about 200 delegates from the shipping industry, fishing and boating communities, government departments and training institutes, including masters of high speed passenger vessels.
Ends/Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Issued at HKT 18:34
NNNN
