>Press Releases Home > Publications and press releases > Press Releases Joint efforts urged to enhance maritime safety General Manager (Vessel Traffic Services) of the Marine Department, Mr Ng Kin-man, today (June 17) urged staff of the local shipping industry to join hands in enhancing maritime safety of the port so as to create a safe working environment. "The Marine Department will continue to promote maritime safety through educating port users, improving safety measures and strengthening enforcement actions," Mr Ng said. Officiating at the "Maritime Safety Promotion Day" at the Government Dockyard, Mr Ng said that the event aimed at raising the awareness of staff working in the shipping and related field to maritime safety through mutual communication and experience sharing. Apart from constantly reviewing and improving safety measures at sea, the Marine Department has arranged safety seminars and educational activities for shipping staff on a regular basis. Mr Ng said that on navigational safety, a seminar was held in February where vessel operators had the opportunity to share their experiences and knowledge. "We have also stepped up enforcement actions at busy fairways to educate and prosecute those vessels not observing traffic regulations at sea," he said. "In April, our department started a trial scheme requiring river trade vessels to submit pre-arrival notices so that we can obtain more information on their movements in Hong Kong waters. "And with effect from July 1, a new speed limit system will be implemented in Hong Kong waters in a bid to enhance maritime safety," he added. Mr Ng expected that the management of traffic at sea could be further improved through these measures. As regards marine industrial safety, Mr Ng said that nine safety seminars have been held for marine construction site workers since the safety seminar for cargo handling workers was held in mid-1999. In addition to that, the department has also publicised safe working guidelines to workers on board over 200 local and river trade vessels. "We have also conducted a consultancy study on the reduction of hazards in mid-stream container handling and are preparing relevant code of practices to provide a set of safe working guidelines to workers in that sector," Mr Ng said. He added that safety seminars and courses had been held frequently for marine works supervisors, crane operators and cargo handling workers. Over 350 staff and their family members participated in today's "Maritime Safety Promotion Day", which was jointly organised by the Marine Department, Marine Police, Customs and Excise, Fire Services Department, Immigration Department together with 14 shipping companies and related organisations. Featuring games, demonstrations on fire fighting, first aid and the use of life-saving raft, quiz and an exhibition, the event was held to promote safety at sea. Saturday, 17 June 2000
		2009 | Important notices | Privacy Policy Last revision date : 11 November 2011