The Marine Department (MD) held a press briefing to introduce the newly upgraded third generation Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) system and the reform work of the department. The newly upgraded third generation VTS system is built for the practical situation of Hong Kong as a busy port.
It meets the evolving international operational standards and reinforces Hong Kong’s position as a world- class shipping hub port and an international maritime centre. Located at the Vessel Traffic Centre (VTC) of the Hong Kong -Macau Ferry Terminal, the VTS system of the MD operates round the clock throughout the year. The VTS system has been established in accordance with international requirements. It distributes navigational information and advice to vessels through the very high frequency radio network to facilitate safe arrivals and departures.
The third generation VTS sys tem complies with the requirements and operational standards of the International Maritime Organization and the International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities. It has gradually come into operation since March this year. Thirteen radars are employed in the system to provide radar surveillance coverage of the Hong Kong navigable waters.
Compared to the previous generation which could automatically track up to 5 000 marine targets, the new generation VTS system can automatically track up to 10 000 marine targets at any one time and is expected to meet the operational needs up to 2030. The system’s ability to detect vessels under inclement weather is also enhanced. These enhancements allow the MD to monitor and regulate marine traffic more effectively. The system also provides vessel information to port users, government organisations and the general public.
The Director of Marine, Ms Maisie Cheng, said at the press briefing that, under the supervision of the Steering Committee on Systemic Reform of the Marine Department chaired by the Secretary for Transport and Housing, the MD has been undertaking reforms since 2013. The MD has implemented a series of improvement measures to enhance marine safety. These include enhancing surve y of local vessels, enhancing look- out duties by crew on vessels and strengthening the training and examination of coxswains.
The MD’s internal governance and work culture are also improving. Looking ahead, the MD will continue to implement various improvement measures to enhance marine safety and introduce more fundamental reform to the regulatory regime of local vessels. These include reviewing the regulatory regime of local pleasure vessels, introducing legislation to control boating while under the inf luence of alcohol and drugs, and reviewing the coxswain licensing system. On internal governance, the MD will conduct a grade structure review for its two major professional grades, i.e. Marine Officers and Surveyors of Ships, to offer long- term solutions to its manpower and succession problems.