>Press Releases Home > Publications and press releases > Press Releases One-way traffic arrangement to enhance safety in Kap Shui Mun fairway The Director of Marine, Mr Tsui Shung-yiu, today (March 9) said that new legislation would be enacted to restrict the movement of vessels in Kap Shui Mun Channel to enhance marine traffic safety. "The new law, expected to be in place this year, will restrict vessels exceeding 10 metres to sail through the channel in a southeasterly direction only," Mr Tsui said. Meanwhile, Marine Department's Harbour Patrol Section would continue with their efforts in enforcing the International Regulations for Preventing Collisons at Sea, he added. Speaking at the Commendation for Bravery Presentation Ceremony, Mr Tsui said the Marine Department kept under review all related policies and legislation to ensure the safety of all ships and their passengers on board when navigating within Hong Kong waters. He also talked on the progress of a $226 million project to replace and upgrade the existing vessel traffic services system. "Installation and testing of the new equipment is expected to start in May for completion by the end of this year. "The Vessel Traffic Centre will then be able to regulate, track and monitor the movement of vessels in Hong Kong waters more effectively and further reduce marine accidents," Mr Tsui said. On the educational measures, Mr Tsui said that the Training Unit of the department's Port Control Division would organise seminars for the related sectors to raise their awareness and concern on marine safety. At today's ceremony, the Director presented his commendation to 21 people for their bravery acts during marine incidents. He also commended agents of five vessels for their assistance in search and rescue operations. Mr Tsui said that while his department kept promoting marine safety by taking and formulating measures and policies, without the selfless and courageous acts of such heroes who were ready to help those in danger at the risk of their own lives, the annual casualty figures on people falling into the sea would probably increase sharply. The individual recipients, comprising seven civilians, four employees of the Chellaram Shipping (Hong Kong) Ltd, a Marine Inspector from Marine Department, three Police Sergeants, five Police Constables and a civilian staff of the Police, have rescued a total of 13 people from waters since November, 1999. Agents of the five vessels - "Unifortune", "Kuo Lung", "Diligence Container", "Pacstar" and salvage tug "Tai Koo", were commended for their participation in four search and rescue operations in the past 14 months which resulted in the rescue of 48 people from vessels in distress. Friday, 9 March 2001
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