********************************************************
The Director of Marine, Mr Roger Tupper, today (March 4) presented commendations to 30 people who risked their lives to rescue others in Hong Kong waters last year.
Receiving the commendations were 17 police officers, four crew members from the Star Ferry Co Ltd, eight civilians, and a staff member of the Fortune Ferry Company Ltd.
Mr Tupper said, "The Marine Department was responsible for all maritime matters in Hong Kong and the safety standards of all classes and types of vessels. A key commitment is to ensure safe operation of the port so that every ship that comes to our port can carry out its business smoothly and efficiently. This commitment is extended to the safety of recreational boating which has experienced a surge of popularity in recent years."
He pointed out that the Marine Department, the Marine Police and the Leisure and Cultural Services Department jointly organised a Safety Afloat campaign launching a series of educational seminars and publicity activities last year. The campaign achieved remarkable success and no recreational boating accidents were reported throughout the last water sports high season.
This year, the Marine Department will continue to partner with these two departments to launch the Safety Afloat 2008 campaign. A series of educational seminars and publicity activities are arranged as in last year. The first navigation safety seminar was successfully held on January 24, 2008.
In order to further enhance public awareness and promote marine safety messages, the relevant TV/radio Announcement of Public Interest will be broadcast in the water sports high season this year.
In the port environment, Mr Tupper said the Marine Department's Harbour Patrol Section together with the Marine Police will step up law enforcement efforts to deter speeding and other reckless boating behaviour. The number of patrols will be enhanced in the vicinity of the speed restriction zones and the water areas surrounding popular gazetted beaches and water sports sites so as to safeguard swimmers and boaters during the high season. Similarly, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department will encourage swimmers to remain within the designated areas off gazetted beaches.
"We trust that the above-mentioned measures will enhance marine safety in the years ahead and Hong Kong will continue to be one of the safest and most efficient ports in the world and provide a safe environment for marine leisure activities," Mr Tupper added.
Ends/Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Issued at HKT 17:31
NNNN
