Legislative amendments to enhance the regulatory regime for Class IV vessels (i.e. local pleasure vessels) and to improve the survey regime in respect of prevention and control of pollution for certain local vessels were gazetted today (May 15).
A spokesman for the Transport and Housing Bureau said, “Under the enhanced regulatory regime, Class IV vessels licensed after the legislative amendments come into effect will have to meet more stringent structural requirements in respect of water tightness, stability and structural fire protection. As for existing Class IV vessels and open cruisers, they will be required to provide adequate lifebuoys for use by passengers to facilitate speedy escape in case the vessels are in distress.
“In addition, we propose to require certain Class IV vessels to enhance navigational and communications equipment on board, including installing and operating the Very High Frequency Radiotelephone, the Automatic Identification System and radar. To step up monitoring, Class IV vessels will be required to obtain prior approval from the Marine Department before they are let for hire or reward.”
Regarding the survey regime in respect of prevention and control of pollution, the Director of Marine will issue a Hong Kong Oil Pollution Prevention Certificate or a Hong Kong Air Pollution Prevention Certificate after receiving a declaration of survey with satisfactory results from the recognised organisations. This will provide the trade with greater flexibility in the means in complying with the survey requirements.
The Legislative Council Panel on Economic Development, the Local Vessels Advisory Committee and relevant trade associations have been consulted on the legislative proposals. Members and the stakeholders supported the proposals.
The amendments are made via the Merchant Shipping (Local Vessels) (Certification and Licensing) (Amendment) Regulation 2020, the Merchant Shipping (Local Vessels) (General) (Amendment) Regulation 2020, the Merchant Shipping (Local Vessels) (Safety and Survey) (Amendment) Regulation 2020, the Merchant Shipping (Local Vessels) (Fees) (Amendment) (No.2) Regulation 2020, the Merchant Shipping (Prevention of Oil Pollution) (Amendment) Regulation 2020 and the Merchant Shipping (Prevention of Air Pollution) (Amendment) Regulation 2020. The Regulations will be tabled at the Legislative Council on May 20 for negative vetting.
Source:hongkongmaritimehub
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