A Marine Department spokesman today (Tuesday) called on owners, masters and operators of vessels to cooperate by following the directions from harbour patrol officers in taking up a space within a typhoon shelter.
"They should keep clear of the fairways and fire lanes at all times," he said.

As the Mainland authority started to enforce the "Closed-fishing Season" in the South China Sea for two months today, it is anticipated that more than 3,000 locally licensed fishing vessels may return to Hong Kong.

The return of these vessels may lead to crowded condition in typhoon shelters like Aberdeen, Shau Kei Wan and Tuen Mun, leaving limited space in these locations for other vessels to seek refuge during the advent of typhoons.

The spokesman said that in case a particular typhoon shelter was full, vessels should go to other neighbouring shelters where space was available.

"Owners, masters and operators of vessels are reminded to pay attention to the radio broadcast concerning the occupancy status of typhoon shelters when typhoon signals are being hoisted," he said.

"During their stay within a typhoon shelter, masters of vessels should ensure that there is sufficient manning on board their vessels at all times to exercise fire prevention measures and to respond to any emergency," the spokesman stressed.

He said that Marine Department staff would step up their patrols in typhoon shelters to monitor the situation.

Staff of the Marine Department, Agriculture and Fisheries Department, Fire Services Department, Marine Police and District Offices have held a meeting last week with fishermen representatives to discuss matters related to the management of typhoon shelters during the closed-fishing season.

A Marine Department Notice No. 73 has also been issued to appeal for cooperation from masters of vessels staying in typhoon shelters. Copies of this notice are available for free collection from various Marine Offices.

Tuesday 1 June, 1999