>Press Releases Home > Publications and press releases > Press Releases Ships reminded of special port procedures on Y2K high-risk days Ship masters, owners, agents and vessel operators are again reminded to pay special attention to the possible impact of the Year 2000 (Y2K) problem and to take heed of the special port operations procedures to be implemented on the coming two Y2K high-risk days of February 29 and March 1. A Marine Department spokesman today (Thursday) urged them to ensure that all their essential equipment have been fully tested and rectified for Y2K compliance. In August last year, questionnaires have been distributed to collect information on Y2K readiness of ships. "Vessels which have not submitted the questionnaire must declare their Y2K readiness before permission is given to enter, depart or move in Hong Kong during the 48-hour period starting from 2000 hours on February 28," the spokesman said. On February 28 and 29, from 2000 hours to 0100 hours the following day, and on February 29 and March 1, from 0700 hours to 0900 hours, all vessels must carry out proper tests before entering Hong Kong waters or getting underway within port to ensure normal functioning of their ship board equipment, and report their situation to the Vessel Traffic Centre (VTC) using call sign: MARDEP. Any vessels fail to confirm normal operational status may be refused permission to enter or move within port, or be required to employ escort tugs if permission is given, depending on circumstances. Ocean-going vessels have to observe the following safety procedures: - to use manual conning and have their anchors ready for letting go while navigating in Hong Kong waters; - to follow VTC instructions given by the VTC and maintain a safe distance from other vessels navigating in their vicinity; - no overtaking is allowed in Traffic Separation Schemes and major fairways; Regarding local vessels and high-speed craft, the spokesman reminded them of the following safety procedures: - when moving within Victoria Harbour, they should slow down 15 minutes before midnight on February 28 and 29 and proceed at a speed in accordance with Regulation 19 of the Shipping and Port Control Regulations. All speed restriction exemption permits covering the harbour area would become void for 30 minutes starting from 2345 hours on these two days; - for vessels which have not been moving since 0000 hours on February 29 or March 1, proper tests should be conducted to ensure normal functioning of their shipboard equipment before their first sailing thereafter. They should proceed at a speed in accordance with Regulation 19 for the first 15 minutes until clear of the Harbour Limit. A Marine Department Notice has already been issued to remind ship masters, owners, agents and port operators of the above special port operations procedures. The notice can be downloaded from the department website on the Internet -- http://www.info.gov.hk/mardep Any enquiry relating to the Notice should be directed to the VTC on telephone 2858 2125 or 2858 2192, or by fax to 2858 6646, or through the VHF on Channels 12, 14 or 67. Thursday, 24 February 2000
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