Marine Department (Hong Kong)
The Marine Department (MD) of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government is responsible for all aspects of maritime safety, shipping, and port administration within Hong Kong waters. Its core mission is to ensure the safety of life at sea, maintain a safe and efficient shipping registry, protect the marine environment, and facilitate Hong Kong's role as a leading international shipping centre.
The department's functions encompass a wide range of activities, including:
- Port State Control: Inspecting foreign-flagged vessels to ensure compliance with international safety and environmental standards.
- Flag State Control: Ensuring Hong Kong-registered ships comply with international and local regulations.
- Pilotage Services: Providing licensed pilots to navigate vessels safely through Hong Kong waters.
- Hydrographic Surveying: Charting and surveying Hong Kong waters to ensure navigational safety.
- Maritime Search and Rescue: Coordinating search and rescue operations in Hong Kong waters.
- Marine Environment Protection: Preventing and responding to marine pollution incidents.
- Shipping Registry: Maintaining the Hong Kong Shipping Register, one of the world's largest.
- Regulation of Port Operations: Overseeing the efficient and safe operation of Hong Kong's port facilities.
- Examination and Certification of Seafarers: Ensuring seafarers meet the required standards of competence.
- Management of Government Vessels: Managing a fleet of government vessels used for various purposes.
The Marine Department works closely with other government departments, industry stakeholders, and international organizations to achieve its objectives. It plays a crucial role in maintaining Hong Kong's reputation as a safe, efficient, and competitive international maritime hub. The Director of Marine is the head of the department.