Government Fleet

The Government Fleet Division (GFD) (Organisation Chart) is responsible for the design, procurement, maintenance, operation and crewing of government vessels. Government launch service is provided in three different ways:

• The Hong Kong Police Force, the Fire Services Department and the Customs & Excise Department, etc., each have vessels built for specific purposes, manned and operated by their trained departmental staff.
• The Immigration Department, Department of Health, Correctional Services Department, Environmental Protection Department, Civil Engineering and Development Department, etc., operationally control their own designated vessels, while the crew are provided and managed by the Marine Department (MD).
• MD allocates from its central pool vessels to other departments upon request for marine transport services, or when replacement or emergency duties arise.

Design and Procurement of New Vessels

The Government New Construction Section (GNCS) of GFD is responsible for the procurement of government vessels. Requests for the construction of new vessels or the replacement of existing ones are normally initiated by the user departments, which are required to secure the necessary funding for such projects. Upon completion of the requisite approval procedures and in accordance with the approved project value, the GNCS will invite tenders either through public tender notices published in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government Gazette, or by directly inviting quotations from shipyards or suppliers known to possess the capability to meet the requirements. Depending on the project value and the recommendations of the GNCS, contracts are awarded by the corresponding Tender Board. The GNCS is also responsible for the supervision of vessel construction, as well as the conduct of testing, sea trials, and final acceptance to ensure compliance with the required standards.

Enquiries relating to the procurement of vessels or related tenders should be addressed to Senior Surveyor/GNC(1) (Tel: (852) 2307 3407 / Fax: (852) 2746 0518) or Senior Surveyor/GNC(2) (Tel: (852) 2307 3413 / Fax: (852) 2746 0518).

Vessels Operation

The GFD manages and maintains the Government Dockyard (GD) which serves as a maintenance base for about 1 000 operational vessels of different types and sizes. 54 vessels are provided with operational crew by MD for the use of multiple government departments. Government launch service can be made available on a regular or ad hoc basis. User departments are advised to book at least 7 days in advance to ensure that the requests can be met. All bookings should be addressed to:

• Marine Inspector/Fleet Operation (Tel: (852) 2307 3618 / Fax: (852) 2307 3620) or Fleet Deployment Officer (Tel: (852) 2307 3622 / Fax: (852) 2307 3620) during office hours
• Vessel Traffic Centre (Tel: (852) 2233 7801 / Fax: (852) 2858 6646) for emergency service outside office hours
  
  

Maintenance and Support of Government Vessels

Maintenance of government vessels is performed regularly, while repairs are carried out as and when necessary. About 90 % of the work is undertaken by approved contractors, with the remaining 10 % by in-house skill staff of GD. Contracts are normally awarded on a one-off basis; however, some vessels and engines are maintained under term contracts, for which contractors have to go through specific application procedures. The Maintenance and Support Section (MSS) in GD monitors the contractors" performance and ensures the work is completed in accordance with the job specifications. Contractors are required to comply with guidelines, procedures and requirements issued by GFD from time to time in the form of circulars.

Enquiries about vessel maintenance can be made to Senior Surveyor/Maintenance and Support(1) (Tel: (852) 2307 3468 / Fax: (852) 2307 3442) or Senior Surveyor/Maintenance and Support(2) (Tel: (852) 2307 3649 / Fax: (852) 2307 3631).

Procurement of maintenance materials and spare parts for vessels and plants are handled and managed by MSS which provides the technical support on computerized information systems, plant maintenance, docking services, vessel scheduling coordination and sea trial, safety and environmental issues, etc. Quotations or tenders of procurements are issued regularly in GD by facsimile or via electronic means to material suppliers. Suppliers who want to be registered can make the application by completing a prescribed form. Suppliers are required to observe guidelines, procedures and requirements issued from time to time in the form of circulars by GD management. (Circulars Issued to Suppliers)

Please contact the Supplies Services Unit (Tel: 2307 3517 / Fax: 2307 3526) if there is any enquiry regarding the application procedure.

Industrial Safety & Health

The GFD is committed to ensuring all its staff and workers work in safe working conditions and a healthy environment in order to minimise potential hazards and risks. The Industrial Safety Section is responsible for implementing the Safety Management System recommended under the Factory & Industrial Undertaking (Safety Management) Regulations, and reviewing and auditing for improvements from time to time. A comprehensive system for accident investigation and reporting procedures with analysis of causes and preventive measures has been set up to prevent accidents as far as possible. Controlling and monitoring systems are implemented to ensure that occupational safety and health performance of the contractors comply with work safety requirements. Safety guides and procedures for high-risk activities, and permit-to-work approach are also in place for works carried out in confined spaces, dangerous goods stores and during hot works, etc.

Enquiries about industrial safety of GFD can be made to Industrial Safety Manager (Tel: (852) 2307 3610 / Fax: (852) 2307 3463).

Government Dockyard Leaflet