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As Hong Kong is entering the fog season, the Director of Marine, Mr Francis Liu, has reminded coxswains and persons-in-charge of vessels to post extra lookouts, proceed at a safe speed and strictly comply with the Collision Regulations when navigating in poor visibility in Hong Kong waters.
Speaking at the opening of the Navigational Safety Seminar 2014 today (January 23), Mr Liu said that coxswains and persons-in-charge of vessels have the responsibility to uphold safety at sea and fully comply with the marine legislation.
He reminded coxswains and crew members to take adequate safety precautions and prepare contingency arrangements before setting sail. Vessels should have sufficient life-saving appliances. Coxswains and crew members should ensure that vessels, engines and equipment are maintained in conditions that are suitable for navigation. In addition, they should be aware of the contact numbers of the port traffic control unit and units that provide emergency services, and take note of the latest weather conditions and related Marine Department Notices at all times.
On another front, to avoid accidents caused by fatigue, owners and operators of all local vessels must ensure that the duty rosters of crew members, particularly coxswains who are responsible for navigation of vessels, have sufficient rest periods to avoid fatigue at work.
As more infrastructure projects are being undertaken in Hong Kong these days, Mr Liu reminded coxswains and crew members to exercise extra caution when navigating in the vicinity of marine works areas. They should pay attention to the relevant Marine Department Notices, which promulgate the various stages of these marine works.
The Marine Department has been devoting efforts to enhancing marine safety. The department had revised the Code of Practice on the safety standards for local vessels so as to implement first-phase improvement measures to enhance marine safety, Mr Liu said. The Marine Department will also continue to organise education seminars and publicity campaigns to promote marine safety.
This annual seminar, hosted by the Marine Department, was attended by more than 150 representatives from the shipping industries, as well as coxswains and operators of local vessels. They discussed issues covering the application of a miscellaneous permit for speed restriction exemption, application of Collision Regulations in Hong Kong waters, analysis of marine accidents and their implications, and navigation safety information.
Marine Department Notice No. 2 of 2014 on safe navigation in poor visibility has been issued and it has been uploaded to the MD's website (www.mardep.gov.hk).
Ends/Thursday, January 23, 2014
Issued at HKT 17:17
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