A new local marine traffic control station - the Kwai Chung Marine Traffic Control Station (KCCS), located at the western end of Kwai Chung Container Terminal No.8, will come into operation next Monday (November 8).

A Marine Department spokesman today (Wednesday) said that the KCCS, to be manned round-the-clock by staff, was set up to monitor, regulate, and harmonize all marine traffic within the Kwai Chung Basin so as to maintain navigational safety and efficiency.

The station will serve an area bound on the north by the Kwai Ysing Bridge, on the south by a straight line joining the western edge of Stonecutters Island and the south-eastern tip of Tsing Yi Island, and on the east and west by the adjacent shorelines.

"Safe and efficient navigation within that area rely upon the cooperation and mutual understanding between the KCCS and all vessels," the spokesman said.

"As is already the case, the masters are responsible for the safety of their own vessels at all times and they should exercise due care and good seamanship and comply with the international regulations for preventing collisions at sea," he said.

Very High Frequency (VHF) Channel 74 is the working frequency assigned for communication within the KCCS service area. Radio contacts with KCCS (call sign "Kwai Chung Control") should always be made on VHF Channel 74 unless otherwise directed.

"Whilst within the KCCS service area, Vessel Traffic System (VTS) participating vessels and vessels engaged in special operations are required to maintain continuous listening watch on VHF Channel 74," the spokesman said.

"They should report to the KCCS before leaving their berth or getting underway, when berthed or ceased to be underway, and when entering or leaving the KCCS service area," he said.

In general, vessels not intending to enter the KCCS service area should avoid passing close to its boundaries.

For non-VTS participating vessels, like local craft and river-trade vessels of less than 300 tonnes, the spokesman said they should keep a listening watch on VHF Channel 74 as far as practicable whilst within the Kwai Chung Basin.

The spokesman warned that these vessels should give due consideration to the safe manoeuvre of other vessels, and they should not impede the safe passage of deep draft vessels in that area.

"They should not anchor except in emergency, nor engage in fishing in that area," he stressed.

A patrol launch will be stationed in the KCCS service area for the purpose of directing traffic, particularly guiding small vessels not equipped with VHF. All vessels should follow the directions given by the patrol launch.

When typhoon signal no. 3 or above is hoisted, or when inclement weather prevails, the patrol launch may suspend its operation.

Copies of Marine Department Notice No.133 of 1999 with details of port operation procedures relating to the establishment of KCCS are available from the Central Marine Office on 3/F., Harbour Building, 38 Pier Road, Central. It can also be download from the MD website at http://www.info.gov.hk/mardep/index.htm.

Enquiries about the KCCS can be made by telephone 2743 6043 or 2743 8296, or by fax 2743 0751.

Wednesday, 2 November 1999