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 New Year Eve.

A Marine Department spokesman today (Tuesday) urged them to ensure that all their essential equipment have been fully tested and rectified for Y2K compliance, and that a thoroughly drilled contingency plan would be in hand to cope with any unexpected disruptions.

"These measures should all be completed well before the roll-over date on December 31," he said.

In August, questionnaires have been distributed to collect information on Y2K readiness of ships.

Vessels expected to enter, depart or be operating in Hong Kong during the 24-hour period starting from 2000 hours on December 31 are required to complete and return the questionnaire to the Marine Department on or before December 28.

"Late return of the questionnaire may result in refused permission to enter, depart or move within Hong Kong during that period, and this applies to all non-local ships including ocean-going, coastal and river trade vessels," the spokesman said.

During that 24-hour period, all vessels must carry out proper tests to ensure normal functioning of their shipboard equipment before entering Hong Kong waters or getting underway within port, 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 and non-local 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;

- no vessel carrying dangerous goods in bulk, including petroleum products, will be allowed to enter or move within Hong Kong waters from 2200 hours on December 31 to 0200 hours the following day unless there is a pilot on board and an escort tug, and with the special permission of the Director of Marine.

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 at 2330 hours on December 31 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 one hour starting from 2330 hours on that day;

- when moving within Hong Kong waters other than the Victoria Harbour, they should proceed at a speed in accordance with Regulation 19 from 2345 hours on December 31 to 0015 hours the following day.

For vessels which have not been moving since 0000 hours on January 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.

Except with the prior approval of the Director of Marine, no local vessel carrying dangerous goods will be allowed to move within port from 2200 hours on December 31 to 0200 hours the following day.

A Marine Department Notice has already been issued to remind ship masters, owners, agents and port operators of the above special port operations procedures.

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.

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Tuesday, December 21, 1999