>Press Releases Home > Publications and press releases > Press Releases Hong Kong gets everything ready for new maritime security rules Security plans for all 31 port facilities in Hong Kong and 739 ships engaged in international voyages under the Hong Kong Register have been approved for implementation of the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code that will come into effect tomorrow (July 1) and mark the introduction of a new era of security on ships and ports. "The port facilities under the Code include the container terminals, oil depots, power stations, cruise and ferry terminals and the buoys and anchorages which constitute a single port facility," a Marine Department spokesman said today." Among the 742 ships under the Code, 739 of them have their security plans approved, which means virtually 100% compliance. About 80% of the ships have already obtained their International Ship Security Certificates (ISSC). He added that the Merchant Shipping (Security of Ships and Port Facilities) Rules was gazetted yesterday following the enactment of the Merchant Shipping (Security of Ships and Port Facilities) Ordinance last week. He said, in implementing the Code, a ship calling a port facility in Hong Kong or intending to transit Hong Kong waters should provide additional security related information at the same time of tendering the Pre-arrival Notification to the department. "All ships in Hong Kong are subject to Port State Control inspections to verify that there are onboard valid ISSC or Interim ISSC. If there are clear grounds that a ship is not in compliance with the Code, the ship may be subject to control measures such as detailed inspection or detention." "Ships deemed to pose a security threat to the port of Hong Kong may be directed to anchor at an outer anchorage for inspection by the Police before being allowed to proceed to the intended berths or transit Hong Kong waters," the spokesman said. The spokesman said that upon implementation of the Code, ships and port facilities concerned would tighten their access control in accordance with their security plans. Access control measures such as advance notification, verification of identification documents, inspection of baggage, personal screening/searching and escort by security personnel might be imposed on visitors. The spokesman said the department was well prepared for the implementation of the Code and had deployed sufficient manpower to cope with anticipated demand. More information relating to the implementation of the Code in the port of Hong Kong is available at the Marine Department's website at http://marsec.mardep.gov.hk. Ends/Wednesday, June 30, 2004
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