Marine Department

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The Marine Department (Traditional Chinese: 海事處) of the Hong Kong Government is responsible for maintaining the harbour (Port of Hong Kong) and monitor shipping traffic.

The department is lead by the Director of Marine, Mr Tsui Shung Yiu _JP who reports to the Secretary for Economic Development and Labour.

The Marine Department is also responsible for co-ordinating search and rescue operations in the waters around Hong Kong:

Hong Kong Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre - search and rescue
administer shipping registry
ensure compliance with international and marine laws
ensure compliance with environmental protection standards and combat pollution (namely oil spills)
provide and maintain government vessels (Government Dockyard)
facilitate the safe and expeditious movement of ships

Hong Kong is a major cargo port, 175 million tonnes of cargo through its port and 18.1 million TEU in 2000. The marine department acts as the port authority (the agency does not exist in Hong Kong).

[edit] Facilities

6,000 metres of quays - Kwai Chung and Stonecutters container terminals
7,750 metres of quays at public cargo working areas
58 mooring buoys for ocean-going vessels
2 ferry terminals
Marine Department port facility - former Royal Navy base - HMS Tamar on Stonecutters Island (500 operational vessels)