| A Marine Department spokesman today (Tuesday)
reminds masters of ships in Hong Kong waters to take precautionary
measures during the approach of tropical cyclones.
All Government Class "A" moorings (for ships of the length between
137 metres and 183 metres) and Class "B" moorings (for ships up
to 137 metres long) are available for use during typhoons with
the exception of :
- "A" mooring numbers A29, A34, A35, A40, A41, A42, A43, A45,
A46, A49, A50, A60, A61 and A62; and
- "B" mooring number B5.
"The status of all Government moorings may be altered at short notice
and up-to-date information can be obtained from the Vessel Traffic
Centre (VTC) by telephone 2858 2107, telex 63607 MDVTS or facsimile
2858 6646 and 2548 0470," the spokesman said.
The master of a ship moored to an approved typhoon mooring might,
at his discretion, drop a bower anchor under foot to lessen the
tendency to sheer, he said.
But he added that such action could only be taken if it did
not impair the efficiency of the mooring, stressing that an anchor
should not be used during normal weather conditions.
The spokesman also reminds masters of ships in Hong Kong waters
to maintain a continuous listening watch on the VHF RADIO channel
appropriate to the VHF sector in which the vessel is located,
or another channel as may be specified by the VTC unless he is
released from this obligation by the Centre.
"Information on tropical cyclones may be broadcast from time
to time by the VTC (call sign "Mardep"), while advisory weather
information bulletins are also broadcast by local radio stations,"
the spokesman said.
Masters, owners, agents and charterers of vessels are also reminded
to maintain a minimum safe manning levels on ships while in Hong
Kong waters.
Marine Department Notice No. 67 of 1998 on precautionary measures
during typhoon season has been issued and free copies of the notice
are obtainable from the Port Formalities Office, Room 318, Harbour
Building, 38 Pier Road, Hong Kong.
Tuesday, 26 May 1998
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