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The Marine Department's Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre (MRCC) conducted a maritime search and rescue exercise this afternoon (July 12) in the waters off Tseung Kwan O, in conjunction with the Hong Kong Garrison of the People's Liberation Army (PLA), Government Flying Service, Marine Police and Fire Services Department.
The exercise, code-named "SAREX 2006", was conducted under the guidelines of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO). Its objective is to test the efficiency of the alert and response systems between passenger ships and the MRCC; the contingency plan on board ships and their safety procedures; and the responsiveness and communication systems of the various parties involved.
Senior Marine Officer (Search & Rescue) Mr Chan Kwok-wai, head of MRCC, said, "The annual drill is essential to ensure that quick responses and appropriate action are in place in times of emergencies.
"We are honoured to have the PLA's participation in the exercise for the first time this year. This provided a valuable opportunity for various search-and-rescue units of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government to strengthen cooperation and technology exchange with this elite team. Without their support and assistance, today's exercise might not have been so smooth and successful."
Mr Chan also thanked Xiamen United Enterprises (HK) Limited for providing the passenger vessel, "Ji Mei", as the exercise target.
During today's exercise, a mock scenario was established in which a fire broke out on a passenger vessel off Tseung Kwan O, causing an explosion. On receiving the report, the MRCC immediately mounted a search and rescue operation. The PLA, which happened to be in the vicinity for a drill, volunteered to help out.
The exercise reached a climax when passengers fled the vessel onboard life boats and rafts, while the rescue units made all-out efforts in fire-fighting, searching for passengers trapped in the blaze, rescuing those fallen into the sea and airlifting the injured to hospital.
The exercise went smoothly and was completed in about two hours. More than 200 staff members from the participating bodies were involved in the exercise. Two helicopters, two police launches, three fireboats, two Marine Department launches, six PLA boats and one passenger ship were deployed.
The search and rescue responsibility for maritime distress situations occurring within Hong Kong waters and the major part of the South China Sea covering a sea area of about 450,000 square nautical miles, as agreed internationally, rests with the MRCC.
The MRCC is manned 24 hours a day by professional staff and is equipped with comprehensive communications equipment and a shore-based Global Maritime Distress and Safety System. It coordinates search and rescue operations in conjunction with other government departments and ships on the high seas. Staff of the MRCC regularly hold maritime safety seminars for fishermen's associations, yacht clubs and for the shipping communities in both Hong Kong and Guangdong Province.
In 2005, the centre handled 227 cases of vessel emergencies, 62 of which developed into search and rescue operations, including 13 medical evacuations. A total of 349 people were rescued. In recognition of its expertise, the Hong Kong MRCC has been selected as a member of the IMO/International Civil Aviation Organisation Joint Working Group for Search and Rescue.
Ends/Wednesday, July 12, 2006
Issued at HKT 18:00
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