MD's response to Ombudsman's direct investigation report
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To safeguard navigational safety, the MD not only performs daily patrol and law enforcement work within Hong Kong waters, but also works closely with the Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF), especially during weekends and holidays, to conduct special joint operations in different parts of Hong Kong waters to combat illegal activities including illegal carriage of passengers and violation of licensing conditions or relevant marine legislation. As pointed out in the investigation report, the MD has stepped up enforcement since last year. In 2021, a total of 92 enforcement operations against vessels carrying passengers illegally (including six decoy operations) were conducted, which doubled the average number of operations conducted in the preceding few years. The operations covered black spots such as Sai Kung, Tai Po, Tai O and Aberdeen. From January to August 2022, the MD has already conducted a total of 117 enforcement operations against vessels carrying passengers illegally (including four decoy operations), exceeding the total number of operations carried out in 2021.
With the objective of strengthening enforcement against illegal passenger-carrying activities, the MD will carry out inspections and decoy operations more frequently and forge closer co-operation with the HKPF and the Transport Department (TD). If a vessel is suspected to operate kaito ferry services without a licence, the MD will refer the case to the HKPF and the TD as soon as possible for their follow-up actions. In addition, the MD will formulate clearer guidelines for frontline staff on inspection of vessels suspected of providing illegal passenger-carrying ferry services.
To enable the public to verify if a vessel carries passengers illegally, the MD this January also uploaded to its departmental website a list of local vessels endorsed by the Director of Marine to be let for hire or reward (www.mardep.gov.hk/e_files/en/pub_services/LIST_CLASS_IV_LET_FOR_HIRE.pdf) and will keep updating it for the public's reference. The MD has also generated a QR code shown on the relevant pamphlet, and posters and banners for display in popular marine tourism spots. The QR code was also introduced to the public on social media. Members of the public can simply scan the QR code and verify if a local pleasure vessel is allowed by the MD to be let for hire or carry passengers for reward.
The MD, together with the TD and the HKPF, produced a set of TV and radio announcements in the public interest (APIs) (www.isd.gov.hk/eng/tvapi/22_ms319.html) this August to remind the public to protect themselves from risk by confirming that a local pleasure vessel is allowed by the MD to be let for hire or carry passengers for reward before hiring it. Likewise, members of the public should check whether the kaito ferry service is an approved service by TD. The API has been broadcast on TV, displayed in various government venues and shared on social media platforms.
In its pamphlet publicising points to note about local pleasure vessels (www.mardep.gov.hk/en/publication/materials/pdf/hps_notes_lpv.pdf), the MD also reminds members of the public that local pleasure vessels should be used exclusively for pleasure purposes, and highlights the requirements of life-saving equipment for pleasure vessels. On this front, the MD will enhance enforcement and has also written to owners of pleasure vessels let for hire to remind them that their vessels must maintain a certain number of lifejackets and lifebuoys according to the law. Materials like lifejacket stickers and user guides were also provided for them to display on board.
Ends/Thursday, September 1, 2022
Issued at HKT 16:30
Issued at HKT 16:30
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