>Press Releases Home > Publications and press releases > Press Releases Heroes commended for saving lives at sea The Director of Marine, Mr Tsui Shung-yiu, today (April 2) presented commendations to 21 people in recognition of their bravery in risking their lives to save others in Hong Kong waters last year. Receiving the commendations were three crewmembers from the Star Ferry Co Ltd, four civilians, 12 police officers, one staff member each from the Correctional Services Department and the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department. Mr Tsui said the Marine Department was responsible for all navigational matters in Hong Kong and one of its major functions was to facilitate the safe and expeditious movement of vessels, cargo and passengers within Hong Kong waters. "To this end, we keep under review all related policies and legislation and introduce necessary measures to ensure that Hong Kong is among the safest ports for shipping," Mr Tsui said. "To enhance marine safety, new legislation has been enacted to restrict the movement of vessels over 10 metres in Kap Shui Mun Fairway to a southeastern direction only." "Since enactment, our Harbour Patrol Section has stepped up its efforts to enforce the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea to reduce risk of collisions in that busy area of Hong Kong waters as we continue our surveillance and enforcement elsewhere." Mr Tsui said that with rising public expectations and a rapidly changing environment, the department had been constantly keeping abreast of the latest technology and developments in the vessel traffic management system so as to ensure safety and efficiency. "In this regard, we will host the 10th International Symposium on Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) from February 10 to 13, 2004 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre," he said. "It is expected that port administrators, VTS operators and service providers from all parts of the world will participate in this event, held at a major world port once every four years." Mr Tsui expressed his heartfelt thanks to the recipients at today's ceremony. He said despite the department's measures and policies to enhance marine safety, without the bravery and community spirit of people like them, the task of maintaining safety at sea would definitely be much harder and the casualty rate correspondingly higher. End/Wednesday, April 2, 2003
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