The Hong Kong Marine Department has issued a notice reminding stakeholders of the approach of typhoon season and their need to take precautionary measures during the approach of tropical cyclones.
When a tropical cyclone warning is issued by the Hong Kong Observatory, every vessel which is moored to the following government mooring buoys shall clear anchors and cables and prepare the main propulsion machinery to full power condition and such vessel shall, if so directed by the Director, leave the mooring buoy
“A” mooring
A17, A36, A43, A71, A72, A73, A74, A78
“B” mooring
Nil
The master of a ship moored to a government mooring buoy may, at his discretion, drop a bow anchor under foot to lessen the tendency to sheer. This should not impair the efficiency of the mooring, although an anchor should not be used during normal weather condition, the Hong Kong Marine Department states.
The Department highlights that every vessel within the waters of Hong Kong must maintain a continuous listening watch on the VHF radio channel appropriate to the VHF sector in which the vessel is located, or another VHF channel as may be specified by the Vessel Traffic Centre (call sign “MARDEP”).
The Centre will broadcast tropical cyclone information from time to time when the tropical cyclone warning signals have been issued. Masters should also listen to local radio broadcasts for weather advisory information bulletins.
Finally, the Hong Kong draws the attention of masters, owners, agents, and charterers to include a sufficient number of qualified crew capable to carry out all duties to ensure the safety on board at all times during the passage of a tropical cyclone.
